ALL CHANGE FOR RACERS AND CARS

Mercedes have been untouchable at the front of the grid for three seasons, but that could all be about to end after the introduction of a host of new rule changes designed to make the cars faster and the action more exciting. Here are five things you need to know ahead of the first of 20 races... in Melbourne on Sunday. Cars and tyres will be bigger The cars will be wider than they have been for the last two decades. To compensate, cars will now be permitted to carry a minimum weight of 722kg, up from 700kg last year. All about the downforce The cars’ rear wings have been lowered, are 15cm wider and are mounted 20cm further back while the rear diffuser, designed to increase the speed of air flow beneath the car, will be taller and wider. More penalties Grid-place penalties can now be carried into subsequent races. No more ‘Verstappen rule’ The so-called rule was introduced last year after complaints about Red Bull driver Max Verstappen blocking other drivers from overtaking at the last moment. But where previously any move under braking was investigated by stewards, that will only happen if a driver moves erratically, is unnecessarily slow or behaves in a manner that endangers another. Standing restarts in the wet The start is often the most thrilling part yet the weather can play havoc. Previously if the track was too wet for a standing start, cars would follow the safety car until conditions had improved and they would be released. From this season cars will return to their grid positions once the safety car has peeled off into the pit lane.