Next weekend is the time: the new F1 season kicks off with the opening race in Melbourne. To warm up the fans for the approaching racing action, Formula 1 shared the opening titles for 2026 on Thursday. Next year, every session will be introduced with this new intro video. The theme music by Hollywood composer Brian Tyler remains unchanged, but new footage has been shot of all drivers in their brand-new racing suits.
Read more FP1 Australian GP: Good first session for Verstappen, but fast Leclerc sets the pace
The opening titles open with Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas, who are both making their return with the new Cadillac team. After that, the remaining drivers are introduced in rapid succession. Due to the entry of the American team, the grid counts twenty-two drivers this year, making the individual fragments slightly shorter than before.
Read more FP2 Australian GP: Local hero Piastri outpaces Mercedes and Ferrari, Verstappen P6
A striking difference from previous years is that the opening titles this time follow the final constructors’ standings in reverse order. After Pérez and Bottas, Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly from Alpine therefore appear on screen. This also means that Max Verstappen – who in recent years as the reigning world champion was always part of the finale – is now shown as fifth-to-last. Current title holder Lando Norris closes the opening titles.
Read more Piastri sees no cracks after title battle: ‘Bond with McLaren is stronger than ever’
Introducing the 2026 F1 opening titles! 😍#F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/vp2q3f5bSt
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 5, 2026
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Read everything about the Australian GP here
