F1 Q&A: Can McLaren compete or will they be best of the rest?

'Maybe these new regulations aren't so bad' - Russell on victory Mercedes secured a one-two at the Australian Grand Prix to usher in the new era of Formula 1. George Russell took victory from pole ahead of team-mate Kimi Antonelli, with the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc completing the podium in third place. It was the first race since the sport's biggest rule change, which means engines now have a near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power. World champion Lando Norris, who was fifth, called racing in 2026 "chaos", adding a "big accident" could happen because drivers are having to adapt to the new cars. BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson answers your questions after the season opener in Melbourne. Russell wins first race of new F1 era in Australia Was new-era F1 really racing or more like a computer game? Russell 'imperious' and Bearman 'raced beautifully' - driver ratings It looked a pretty sobering weekend for McLaren to be so far off the pace after being the best car the last couple of years. Is it realistic to hope they can compete this year or is being best of the rest, as Lando Norris was in Melbourne, the best they will be able to do? - Tom The fastest McL