Drivers and teams compete for the titles of World Drivers' Champion and World Constructors' Champion, respectively. Lando Norris is the reigning World Drivers' Champion, while McLaren-Mercedes are the reigning World Constructors' Champions. The 2026 season features major regulation changes, including a revised power unit configuration and new active aerodynamics.
Each team is required to enter at least two drivers, one for each of the two mandatory cars. All teams compete with tyres supplied by Pirelli. Cadillac became the eleventh team, marking its first appearance in the series and the first new team on the grid since Haas in 2016. Audi entered as a works team with its own power unit, having acquired Sauber in 2024. Honda, through its Honda Racing Corporation subsidiary, entered into an exclusive works team agreement with Aston Martin, supplying them with their own power unit. Ford returned to the sport, supporting Red Bull Powertrains in supplying power units to Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls. Renault is no longer an engine supplier as Alpine switched to Mercedes power units.
Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas returned to full-time seats with Cadillac. Isack Hadjar moved from Racing Bulls to Red Bull Racing, replacing Yuki Tsunoda. Arvid Lindblad was promoted from Formula 2 to replace Hadjar.
The 2026 calendar originally comprised twenty-four Grands Prix. The Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix were cancelled, reducing the count of confirmed Grands Prix to twenty-two. The Chinese Grand Prix, Miami Grand Prix, Canadian Grand Prix, British Grand Prix, Dutch Grand Prix, and Singapore Grand Prix feature the sprint format. The Spanish Grand Prix moved from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to a new street circuit in Madrid. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola was discontinued. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is to be held on a Saturday.
Financial, power unit, aerodynamic, geometric, and safety regulations were altered for the 2026 season. The Formula One cost cap for team operational expenditures was increased from $135 million to $215 million. A separate cost cap for power unit manufacturers was also increased from $95 million to $130 million. New power unit regulations were introduced, retaining the turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 internal combustion engine configuration but removing the MGU-H. The MGU-K output increased to 470 bhp (350 kW), while the internal combustion part of the power unit decreased to 540 bhp (400 kW). The power units use a fully sustainable fuel.
The 2026 car concept was revealed on 6 June 2024, featuring new active aerodynamics in both the front and rear wings. The drag reduction system was replaced by a new overtake mode. The wheelbase was reduced from 360 cm (140 in) to 340 cm (130 in), the width from 200 cm (79 in) to 190 cm (75 in), and the minimum mass by 30 kg (66 lb). The tyres' widths were also reduced. The floor reduced ground effect to ease issues with porpoising. The downforce reduction of the 2026 cars compared to the 2022–2025 generation of cars was confirmed to be around 15%.
Safety features were enhanced, with updated regulations for the front impact structure, improved side intrusion protection, and increased roll hoop strength. Lateral safety lights were mandated to display the energy recovery system (ERS) status of a car when it stops on track.
Sporting regulations were also modified. Drivers are permitted to change their race number. A minimum of 55% of the car's surface area must be covered by painted or stickered liveries. Driver cooling vests are mandated when the FIA declares a heat hazard. Stewards have the option to initiate a review based on new evidence. The requirement to make a minimum two-stop strategy at the Monaco Grand Prix was dropped.
Three pre-season tests were held. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) set the fastest time in the private test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) set the fastest time at the Bahrain International Circuit in the second test, and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) set the fastest time in the third test at the same venue.
George Russell (Mercedes) took pole position and victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Antonelli secured his maiden victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, becoming the youngest ever Formula One pole-sitter. Antonelli took his first consecutive victories of the season at the Japanese Grand Prix, becoming the youngest World Drivers' Championship leader. Norris converted a sprint pole position to a victory at the Miami Grand Prix. Antonelli took his fourth consecutive victory at the Canadian Grand Prix after Russell retired due to a power unit failure.
Points are awarded to the top ten classified drivers in the race and to the top eight finishers in the sprint. In the case of a tie on points, a countback system is used.
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