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Get up to speed on the upcoming Fl season with five things to look out for this weekend

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The Formula One season gets under way in Melbourne on March 8, with McLaren's Lando Norris looking to retain his world championship title while Max Verstappen of Red Bull aims to rip it back off him.

Predictions are difficult to make ahead of the 24-race season because of sweeping changes in chassis and engine regulations. But the clash between the favourites could provide one of the most fascinating seasons yet.

Here are five things to look out for in the pit lane.

GAMESMANSHIP

The fingers have been pointing, the accusations made and nobody has stepped forward to admit that they were "sandbagging". That is the pit lane parlance for dialling back on performance in preseason testing, as Verstappen took aim at Mercedes.

"Just wait until Melbourne and see how much power they suddenly find... see how fast they suddenly go on all the straights," said the four-time world champion in Bahrain.

Meanwhile, Williams boss James Vowles put the spotlight back on Red Bull, suggesting that "games are being played" when their pace suddenly slowed.