What’s Changing in Formula 1 in 2026?
The 77th season of Formula 1 in 2026 will witness the debut of extensive regulatory changes. The racing world is eager to see which teams have best prepared for this new era of competition.
Formula 1, the world’s premier motorsport organization, is set for a landmark 2026 season. This year, the grid expands to 11 teams and 22 drivers, competing across a comprehensive 24-race calendar. These pivotal changes for the 77th season were first outlined by the FIA in 2024. Let’s explore the transformations taking place in Formula 1 this year.
Formula 1 in 2026
What’s Changing in the Technical Infrastructure?
First and foremost, Formula 1 cars are becoming shorter, narrower, and lighter. The wheelbase has been reduced by 200 mm to 3400 mm, while the total width has been trimmed by 100 mm to a maximum of 1900 mm. In theory, these “nimble” dimensions will significantly enhance cornering agility. While the cars retain 18-inch Pirelli tires, the tread widths have been reduced. Aerodynamic changes include a move toward a flatter floor design and longer diffusers to manage downforce. Although ground clearance will increase and overall downforce may decrease, these changes are designed to heighten competition by allowing drivers to follow more closely in various conditions.
DRS is Going, “Overtake” and “Boost” are Coming!
Introduced in 2011, the Drag Reduction System (DRS)—which manipulated airflow by opening the rear wing—will be phased out in 2026. Replacing it is a sophisticated system of active aerodynamics. Additionally, the new “Overtake”mode will grant drivers the right to utilize an extra +0.5 MJ of energy on the following lap if they are within 1 second of the car ahead. The FIA will designate specific points on each track where this can be activated. Furthermore, the “Boost”feature allows drivers to deploy maximum power momentarily, utilizing energy recovered during the race to facilitate aggressive attacking maneuvers.
What’s Happening to the Wings?
Both front and rear wings have been redesigned with a narrower profile and will feature active aerodynamic components. Drivers can now reduce drag by adjusting these wings on straights to maximize top speed. The 2026 season will reveal how teams strategically utilize these active-aero battles to gain a tactical edge.
What’s Changing in the Engines?
The 2026 power units represent a massive shift toward electrification. Electrical energy usage will increase by 300%, achieving a nearly 50/50 power split with the internal combustion engine. While the 1.6-liter V6 turbo remains the foundation, the MGU-H (Heat) has been removed, leaving the MGU-K (Kinetic) to handle energy recovery. This new system will harvest energy from various parameters and transfer it directly to the wheels. The teams that master this complex energy management are expected to hold a significant advantage.
How Much Horsepower Do Formula 1 Cars Have?
Under the new 2026 regulations, Formula 1 cars will once again exceed the 1000 horsepower mark. While the output of the internal combustion engine has been scaled back from 550 kW to 400 kW, the power produced by electric motors has surged from 150 kW to 350 kW. This shift requires the development of much larger and more efficient battery packs.
How Much Do Formula 1 Cars Weigh?
According to the FIA’s 2026 mandate, the minimum weight for a Formula 1 car is now 768 kilograms, down from 800 kilograms in 2025. Considering the added weight of more powerful electrical systems and batteries, it remains a major engineering challenge for teams to achieve this 32-kilogram reduction.
What Fuel Is Used in Formula 1?
A landmark change is occurring in fuel technology. For the first time in the championship’s history, F1 will use “Advanced Sustainable Fuel,” moving the sport toward its goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030. These fuels are synthesized from carbon captured from waste or the atmosphere, resulting in a net-zero emission profile. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to eliminate carbon emissions across all event logistics.
Interesting Facts About the 2026 Formula 1 Season
2026 brings a high-stakes battle between new power unit manufacturers. Ford returns to the sport as an engine supplier for Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, ending a hiatus that began in 2004. Honda, which partially exited in 2021, returns to supply Aston Martin under the HRC (Honda Racing) banner. Conversely, Renault is exiting the sport for the first time since 1988, with the Alpine Team transitioning to Mercedes power units.
Which Teams Are New in F1 2026?
The 2026 season welcomes two iconic brands: Audi and Cadillac. Audi, a manufacturer with a legendary winning record in WRC, Le Mans, and Dakar, enters Formula 1 with the stated ambition of becoming the most successful brand in the sport. While they start at “zero” today, the racing world is watching to see how quickly they can climb to number one. Cadillac’s entry, however, follows a different path.
Why is Cadillac Racing in Formula 1?
The American luxury brand Cadillac joins the 2026 grid as the 11th team under the Concorde Agreement. While Cadillac served briefly as a motor supplier in the 1952-1953 seasons, this is their first full team entry. Officially racing as the TWG Cadillac Formula 1 Team, they will initially use Ferrari engines with the goal of producing their own power unit by 2029. This move serves to elevate the global brand image and highlight General Motors’ engineering prowess on the world stage.
Is Audi Entering Formula 1 for the First Time?
The idea that Audi has never raced in F1 is a common misconception. Between 1935 and 1939, Audi competed and won under the name Auto Union in Grand Prix racing, the precursor to modern Formula 1. They also provided technical support to Sauber in 1993. In 2026, Audi officially enters as a works team with the R26 race car under the name Audi Revolut Formula 1, following their acquisition of the Sauber partnership.
Formula 1 2026 Race Calendar
Australian GP – March 3-6
Chinese GP – March 13-15
Japanese GP – March 27-28
Bahrain GP – April 10-12
Saudi Arabian GP – April 17-19
Miami GP – May 1-3
Canada GP – May 22-24
Monaco GP – June 5-7
Barcelona/Catalunya GP – June 12-14
Austria GP – June 26-28
United Kingdom GP – July 3-5
Belgium GP – July 17-18
Hungary GP – July 24-26
Netherlands GP – August 21-23
Italy GP – September 4-6
Spain GP (Secondary) – September 11-13
Azerbaijan GP – September 24-26
Singapore GP – October 9-1
United States GP – October 23-25
Mexico GP – October 30-November 1
Brazil GP – November 6-8
Las Vegas GP – November 19-21
Qatar GP – November 27-29
Abu Dhabi GP – December 4-6
Which Driver is Racing for Which Team in Formula 1?
The 2026 grid features 22 drivers across 11 teams. Following his 2025 championship win, Lando Norris remains with McLaren, while the experienced Valtteri Bottas makes a high-profile return to the grid with Cadillac.
- Alpine: Pierre Gasly (10), Franco Colapinto (43)
- Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso (14), Lance Stroll (18)
- Audi: Gabriel Bortoleto (5), Nico Hulkenberg (27)
- Cadillac: Sergio Perez (11), Valtteri Bottas (77)
- Ferrari: Charles Leclerc (16), Lewis Hamilton (44)
- Haas: Oliver Bearman (87), Esteban Ocon (31)
- McLaren: Oscar Piastri (81), Lando Norris (1)
- Mercedes: George Russell (63), Andrea Kimi Antonelli (12)
- Red Bull: Max Verstappen (3), Isack Hadjar (6)
- Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson (30), Arvid Lindblad (41)
- Williams: Alex Albon (23), Carlos Sainz (55)
Formula 1 Records – Most Championship Wins by F1 Drivers
- Michael Schumacher: 7 times (1994, 1995, 2000-2004)
- Lewis Hamilton: 7 times (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017-2020)
- Juan Manuel Fangio: 5 times (1951, 1954-1957)
- Alain Prost: 4 times (1985, 1986, 1989, 1993)
- Sebastian Vettel: 4 times (2010-2013)
- Max Verstappen: 4 times (2021-2024)
Formula 1 Records – Most Championship Wins by F1 Teams
PHOTO: 190003-musei-50-schumacher_d91ed872-2ef4-44ba-b8af-04eb3ad2c988 Copyright: Ferrari
- Ferrari: 16
- McLaren: 10
- Williams: 9
- Mercedes: 8
- Lotus: 7
Formula 1 Records – F1 Drivers with the Most Pole Positions
- Lewis Hamilton: 104 times (380 races – Ratio: 27.36%)
- Michael Schumacher: 68 times (308 races – Ratio: 22.07%)
- Ayrton Senna: 65 times (162 races – Ratio: 40.12%)
- Sebastian Vettel: 57 times (300 races – Percentage: 19%)
- Max Verstappen: 48 times (233 races – Percentage: 20.60%)
