India, Feb. 21 -- Formula 1 aficionados are in for a thrilling season opener in Australia as four teams are likely to fight for a win in Melbourne.

With different programmes, fuel levels, setups, and simulations, it is impossible to gauge the teams' true pace based on pre-season test timings. But word has it that reigning champions McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes will lead the pack as the lights go out at Albert Park on March 8.

In the six days of official pre-season tests (February 11-13 and February 18-20) in Bahrain, world champion Lando Norris (McLaren), Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), Kimi Antonelli and George Russell (both Mercedes) topped the timesheets with Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri of McLaren not far behind...