Issue #658: The Stage is Set...

This coming weekend sees the start of the new Formula 1 season in Australia, with James Phillips analysing the shock rule change from June on engine compression ratios in this week’s Start Your Engines. From there, Jack Oliver Smith joins James as they preview the coming season, with all the insight, stories and talking points ahead of what is expected to be an unpredictable weekend in Albert Park, Melbourne. But it’s not just F1, MotoGP has also seen in its second race of the 2026 season, the Thailand Grand Prix. With excitement and intrigue, as Marco Bezzecchi claimed an early footing in the championship; Henry Cheal and Eden Hanigan report. Meanwhile across the pond in Florida, it was time for the first round of the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series, with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Kevin Dejewski was trackside to take some amazing images. He and Fleur Rogerson have your race report. We also have a unique exclusive this week, as former Ferrari F1 engineer Rob Smedley sat down with Jack to discuss his thoughts on today's landscape of F1, and his feelings about the pre-season plot lines. And always, we have all the news, views and stories in this week's edition of the most widely read weekly motorsport magazine in the world!