2026:
An unprecedented regulatory revolution for F1

The 2026 season marks a major overhaul of Formula 1's technical regulations, the most significant in years, with several objectives: more spectacle, greater sustainability, and the arrival of new players.

New generation hybrid engines

The power units are evolving significantly:

• they remain V6 turbos, but with a significantly increased electric share (up to 50% of total power) and advanced sustainable fuels.
• the removal of the MGU-H in favour of a more powerful energy recovery system should reduce costs while boosting electric performance.
• the goal is also to attract new engine manufacturers to the sport.

End of DRS and new overtaking strategies

The season introduces active aerodynamics systems replacing the traditional DRS (Drag Reduction System): drivers will be able to use different downforce modes depending on the race situation, promising more varied and strategic overtakes.

New car characteristics

The single-seaters are also lighter and more agile, with narrower tyres and redesigned aerodynamics to encourage wheel-to-wheel battles and reduce the slipstream effect.

Engine manufacturer changes and new teams

One of the major upheavals of the year is the arrival of a new team and several unprecedented engine manufacturers on the grid:

Audi enters the track

The Audi F1 team will make its debut in 2026, succeeding Sauber and preparing its full engine programme for the coming years.

Many new engine partnerships

The grid will feature up to six different engine manufacturers:

• Red Bull and its sister team Racing Bulls will use their own engines developed with Ford.
• Honda returns as the main engine supplier for Aston Martin.
• Alpine will now use Mercedes engines.
• Cadillac, the new team, will be powered by Ferrari.
• Audi becomes a full constructor and engine manufacturer.

Cadillac joins the grid

The new Cadillac team will make its debut in 2026, bringing the total number of teams to 11 and offering more diversity on the grid.

2026 driver lineup: confirmations and surprises

The upcoming season shows stability in several line-ups, but also some bold moves:

Confirmed drivers

• Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will remain at McLaren.
• George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will race for Mercedes.
• Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will continue with Aston Martin.
• Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman at Haas.
• Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will drive for Audi.

Notable changes

• Max Verstappen keeps his seat at Red Bull but with a new teammate: Isack Hadjar.
• Alpine will line up Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto.
• Cadillac signs Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez for its debut.

Calendar and sporting structure

The 2026 season should feature an expanded calendar, with around 24 Grands Prix spread between March and the end of the year, as initially announced by the FIA.

In addition, adjustments to weekend formats (practice sessions, Sprint, qualifying) are being finalised to improve clarity and spectator interest.