In the event you’ve not too long ago tuned out of Components 1 as a result of it felt like soiled air was being talked about greater than overtakes, then it is likely to be time to rekindle the love. This 2026 season represents a brand new chapter—a manufacturing facility reset for each the powertrain and aerodynamics, with the main target now turning to smaller, lighter automobiles.
Greater than something, this 12 months might be a battleground for among the world’s largest automakers. For the primary time in a long time, many of the logos on the grid will match the logos on our driveways.
With that, we needed to fill you in on the main points of who’s becoming a member of, who’s staying, and who the ability gamers could possibly be as F1 undergoes its largest change in current historical past.
Alpine: The Solely Manner is Up
Whereas Alpine highway automobiles are among the finest I’ve ever pushed, its F1 challenge leaves loads to be desired. Following a run of poor outcomes, together with ending backside in 2025 with not even half the factors of Sauber, which completed second final, the Renault Group determined to close down its French engine program.
This comes because the group seems to be to be extra lean, specializing in what actually issues: the chassis. Due to this, Mercedes-Benz might be filling the empty house behind the driving force, and its energy unit is predicted to be spectacular this 12 months.
Led by controversial character Flavio Briatore, there’s potential within the previous woman but, however with out actual backing from Renault, it looks like a shell of what it was. Thankfully, it boasts two very gifted drivers within the form of the skilled Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto.
Audi: The New Heavyweight
Photograph by: Audi
In the event you’ve ever pushed an RS mannequin, you realize simply how good Audi efficiency automobiles will be. When Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto joined Sauber, I requested them what their firm automobiles appeared like. The reply? An RS6—one thing Bortoleto was particularly happy with.
However that is the Volkswagen Group’s first actual foray into F1. Audi has proven success in rallying, Le Mans, and touring automobiles up to now, so F1 seems to be to be the ultimate checkbox. The corporate is backing this effort with substantial sources, confirmed by the truth that it even constructed its personal engine.
Audi’s administration is confirmed, its drivers are gifted, and the corporate is hoping the change in laws will flatten the sector sufficient for it to be in with an opportunity. This behemoth of a workforce could possibly be one to observe this 12 months.
Cadillac: The American Dream
Photograph by: Cadillac
Purple Bull’s problem is nothing in comparison with Cadillac’s, which is coming into F1 for the primary time ever because the championship’s eleventh workforce. This can be a enormous step for america, absolutely confirming the nation’s rightful place inside what was a European-dominant sport.
Supported by Common Motors, there is not any scarcity of sources. However 2026 might be a 12 months of discovery for the workforce, which is constructing its personal chassis from scratch. The facility unit will come from Ferrari—anticipated to be potent this 12 months—however Cadillac is working by itself powertrain and may introduce it near 2028.
With motorsport legend Mario Andretti on the board of administrators and loads of different gifted people behind the closed doorways of its Silverstone headquarters, it is a promising workforce. I used to be one of many few journalists invited to the HQ’s opening, and the environment was thick with confidence.
Skilled drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas lead the workforce in what might be an thrilling 12 months for them.
Ferrari & Mercedes-Benz: Enterprise As Common
Lewis Hamilton In Ferrari’s F1 Automobile
Photograph by: Ferrari
The titans of the championship stay, with Ferrari and Mercedes supplying a number of different groups with their powertrains and parts. In a hybrid world, the Silver Arrows are the ability unit favourites, however the energy of the Scuderia ought to by no means be doubted within the pinnacle of motorsport.
Each groups have among the finest drivers on the grid. Mercedes has already confirmed the worth of George Russell, and younger up-and-comer Kimi Antonelli is rapidly rising into his function after his rookie season final 12 months. For Ferrari, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton provide an unmatched stage of expertise, and their data communicate for themselves.
Sadly for each groups, because the starting of the bottom impact period, they’ve each did not set the world alight. They will be hoping that being skilled works groups over a fancy change in laws will carry them the alternatives they should excel.
Ford: The Return Of The Blue Oval
Photograph by: Ford
Ford is returning to F1 for the primary time since 2004. Partnering with championship large Purple Bull, the automaker is closely helping within the growth of the workforce’s powertrain division, Purple Bull Powertrains. The American marque has quite a lot of expertise with hybrid and fully-electric powertrains, nevertheless it’s keen to make use of the sequence as a take a look at mattress to enhance its highway automobiles.
It is honest to say that it is a massive step for each Purple Bull and Ford. The workforce relied on Honda for its powertrains within the years main as much as this variation, so managing this profitable transition isn’t any small feat. 2026 might be a tricky 12 months for the Milton Keynes outfit because of this, however new workforce principal Laurent Mekies is able to steer a well-engineered ship by means of these troubled waters.
Max Verstappen leads the driving force lineup, with promising Isack Hadjar sat alongside him for the primary time after a profitable rookie 12 months in 2025.
Honda: A Promising Powerhouse
Honda was planning on leaving F1, however after its sudden surge in reputation and deal with hybrid expertise, it will be foolish for the Japanese model to burn its bridges. Leaving Purple Bull on the finish of 2025, it now joins Aston Martin beneath workforce proprietor Lawrence Stroll’s regime.
Honda is a tried and examined winner within the championship with its powertrains being among the finest on the grid, and with Stroll’s virtually unprecedented funding into his outfit, the celebrities could be aligning for the Silverstone-based squad.
Honda joins legend Adrian Newey, with model new infrastructure and the most recent in wind tunnel expertise, in addition to two-time champion and F1 stalwart Fernando Alonso. There is not any lack of expertise, and there is seemingly little that Stroll cannot purchase as they plan to hit the asphalt operating this 12 months.
McLaren: Reigning Champions
Photograph by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Photos
McLaren is staying put with a partnership that has served it effectively during the last couple of years. Sizzling on the heels of an extremely profitable 2025, the place it received each the constructors’ and drivers’ championships, the Woking outfit will keep its energy unit partnership with Mercedes.
Because it seems, McLaren was capable of construct a greater automobile round its Mercedes powertrain than Mercedes itself, and with the German unit sounding sturdy going into subsequent 12 months, McLaren will definitely be one of many favorites.
Reigning champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri make a formidable duo, and the American CEO of McLaren Racing, Zak Brown, is a monetary powerhouse. He is been capable of join the workforce with sufficient cash to drag it from the again of the grid. Staff principal Andrea Stella? He is a confirmed workforce chief.
The one factor that would get in the best way now’s workforce orders. The much less I say about that, the higher.
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