JUAN PABLO MONTOYA has given his bold prediction ahead of the Formula One season opener in Australia.
Lando Norris and Co return to track action in Melbourne this weekend at the Australia Grand Prix, with the McLaren star kicking off his title defence.
However, the 2026 season has brought in a wave of new regulations, including new chassis, power units, engines, tyres, aerodynamics and an 11th team.
One of the changes is also a new energy system, which has been heavily criticised by drivers for how complex it is.
Lewis Hamilton claimed fans would need a degree to understand the system, while Max Verstappen slammed it as “Formula E on steroids”.
Former F1 star Montoya believes that system could lead to some surprise results in the season opener as some drivers will adapt quicker than others.
Speaking to BetBrothers, the seven-time Grand Prix winner said: “”For me, it will be interesting to see how the drivers manage the energy.
“In the first few laps of the race, drivers may run out of energy and the lights will be flashing.
“I think this could lead to some erratic moves. I don’t think you’ll see a quiet race, one person will use more energy than another on a part of the track.
“When the person in front of you loses their energy, you have to pass them, but you’ll then have to regain that energy to stay ahead. Someone will get it really wrong, and someone will get it really right.
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
“It’s cool having a bit of an unknown, it’s good for the sport. The people who get it right will say the new cars are amazing, while those who get it wrong will complain.
“Drivers will complain the cars aren’t as stable as they used to be, but what do you expect with 30 per cent less grip?
F1 2026 RACE CALENDAR: ALL THE INFO YOU NEED
“The casual viewer who hasn’t watched any testing will be seeing the wings open on the new cars for the first time, and they’ll be amazed. It’s all good attention for the sport.”
Asked who he believes will be on the podium in the opening weekend, Montoya predicts defending champ Norris won’t be invited to the party.
Nor will McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, who is looking to break the curse of no Aussie ever scoring a podium in their home race in F1 history – Daniel Ricciardo did in 2014 but was later disqualified.
Instead, Montoya thinks Mercedes will lead the way.
He added: “If I had to bet on who will be on the Melbourne podium, I’d go for George Russell, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen.
“I don’t think all the teams will get it together by the first race. It will either be that or a Mercedes one-two, with a third-place Ferrari. It really depends on the conditions of the track.
“The question is, how much power can the cars develop in qualifying, and how much power can they sustain in the races? Can you really run the full race at full power?
“The manufacturer who has the best reliability will make the biggest difference in the race, it will be critical.”
This echoes former Williams Racing chief Clare Williams tipping “gentleman” George Russell to dethrone Norris as F1’s next champion.
The race gets underway at 4am UK time.
The best travel deals for F1
NOTHING comes close to the sheer thrill of a live Grand Prix – and YOU can be there to experience it all.
See and feel the thrill of the F1 experience with these unbeatable deals.
Bahrain Grand Prix – 8 to 13 Apr
5 nights from £1,399 pp
* * * *
Miami Grand Prix – 29 Apr to 4 May
5 nights From £3,099 pp
* * * *
Monaco Grand Prix – 4 to 9 June
5 nights from £1,879 pp
* * * *
Spanish Grand Prix – 11 to 15 June
7 nights from £549 pp
* * * *
*If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.
