Teams rise and fall during a regulation set, but the squad that gets it right at the outset tends to hold a huge advantage. That carries significant implications for two decorated elder millennials.

Hamilton is still searching for the record-breaking eighth championship that has eluded him for five years. He’s 41, and this year could determine whether he’ll stick around or call it quits.

And 44-year-old Fernando Alonso, a double world champion now at Aston Martin, is all but defying the laws of aging to continue operating at this level. But his quest for a competitive car to return to race-winning ways — he hasn’t won a Grand Prix since 2013 — can’t go on forever. If Aston Martin’s early troubles persist, it could affect his decision about whether to stay or go.

Younger drivers rise

Last season featured a breakout cast of rookies who now have a chance to take things to the next level.

Kimi Antonelli, who debuted with Mercedes last year at age 18, showed flashes of brilliance — and inconsistency — last season. If Mercedes is as strong as expected this year, he’ll have the chance to fight for Grand Prix victories, and maybe more.

Isack Hadjar, who scored an extraordinary podium with Racing Bulls last year, has been promoted to the senior Red Bull team. Will he succumb to the curse that has felled every one of Verstappen’s teammates for years? Or will he break it?

Ollie Bearman of Haas outshined his more experienced teammate Esteban Ocon in 2025, and if he continues to impress, it’ll put him closer to his dream Ferrari seat. Former F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, now with Audi, is another one to watch.

The only rookie on the grid this year is Arvid Lindblad, who will replace Yuki Tsuonda at Racing Bulls. His teammate will be Liam Lawson, who, like other drivers, faces a key year to prove his value in the sport after having jumped in and out of seats since 2023.

Global and intra-team turmoil

The military attacks the U.S. and Israel launched recently against Iran have sparked Iranian retaliation and created turmoil in the region, casting a cloud over upcoming races scheduled in Bahrain on April 12 and in Saudi Arabia on April 19.

It’s a fluid situation. But for now, Formula 1 officials say they’re not worried and expect to carry out each of the race weekends.

“Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan, not in the Middle East — those races are not for a number of weeks,” a spokesperson for F1 said. “As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.”