The first morning of the season arrived wrapped in the scent of hot tarmac and eucalyptus, Melbourne’s early heat curling into the open garages of Albert Park. Aston Martin’s bay stood half-shadowed, the air alive with the rhythmic hiss of air guns and the low murmur of engineers comparing data across glowing monitors. Team colors gleamed with that distinct, almost surgical order that came before the chaos of a race weekend.

Further down the paddock, the Red Bull garage looked different now—Laurent Mekies’ measured stride had replaced Horner’s sharp presence. Cameras followed him in the same way they always had, though the commentary had shifted. Someone joked quietly that nothing really changed in Formula 1 except the names on the doors.

In the corner monitors, F1TV’s live coverage rolled through the morning’s talking points: Red Bull’s internal shuffle, Yuki Tsunoda’s unexpected seat trade with Liam Lawson, and the final entry—Aston Martin confirms reserve driver to replace Lance Stroll while he continues rehabilitation following pre-season injuries. The anchor’s tone hovered between curiosity and disbelief. “A surprise name on the entry list, an unfamiliar face among the veterans. Social media’s already ablaze trying to piece together who exactly this new Aston driver is, with fans speculating everything from an endurance prodigy to a bold internal pick.”

Outside, fans pressed against the chain-link barriers, green caps and banners catching the sunlight. Their conversations carried in snatches—wondering if this stand-in was temporary, if the car would still find its rhythm, if Alonso could drag it higher on the grid again. The rhythm of the paddock went on regardless: mechanics moving with purpose, engines growling to life, the faint vibration of anticipation slipping into the air. Somewhere between all of it, Aston Martin’s second car waited quietly, its new nameplate still gleaming, untouched by track dust.