The 2026 technical package introduced a revised power unit configuration. The 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 internal combustion engine was retained, but the MGU-H was removed entirely. The MGU-K output increased from 160 bhp to 470 bhp, while internal combustion power decreased from 850 bhp to 540 bhp, shifting the balance significantly toward the electrical component. Power units run on fully sustainable fuel and are designed to recover approximately twice as much electrical energy as the previous generation.
Car dimensions were reduced: the wheelbase shortened from 360 cm to 340 cm, overall width from 200 cm to 190 cm, and minimum mass fell by 30 kg. Tyre widths were also reduced. The drag reduction system was replaced with active front and rear wings, giving drivers a manual "overtake mode" that reduces downforce by approximately 15% compared to cars from the 2022–2025 era. Active aerodynamics were disabled at Monaco due to the circuit's particular characteristics.
The team operational expenditure cap rose from $135 million to $215 million, and the power unit manufacturer cap increased from $95 million to $130 million. A new sporting rule mandated that cars carry painted or stickered liveries covering at least 55% of the car surface. Mandatory driver cooling vests were introduced for heat-hazard conditions.
The grid expanded to eleven constructors for the first time since 2016. Cadillac debuted as the eleventh team, initially powered by Ferrari power units, with Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas as drivers. Audi entered as a works team after acquiring Sauber, bringing its own power unit. Honda established an exclusive works supply agreement with Aston Martin. Ford returned to the sport as an engine supplier for the first time since 2004, partnering with Red Bull Powertrains to supply Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls. Renault ceased engine supply entirely, making 2026 the first season since 2000 without Renault as a supplier; Alpine became a Mercedes customer team as a result.
Kimi Antonelli joined Mercedes, partnering George Russell. Isack Hadjar was promoted to Red Bull Racing to replace Yuki Tsunoda, who moved to a test and reserve role. Arvid Lindblad graduated from Formula 2 to a race seat at Racing Bulls, taking Hadjar's vacated place. Oliver Bearman competed for Haas. The Cadillac entry brought both Pérez and Bottas back to the grid after each had been without a full-time seat.
The season originally comprised twenty-four Grands Prix. The Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix were cancelled due to security concerns linked to the Iran war, reducing the confirmed race count to twenty-two. Six events featured the sprint format: China, Miami, Canada, Britain, the Netherlands, and Singapore. The Spanish Grand Prix relocated from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló to a new street circuit in Madrid built around the IFEMA Exhibition Centre; Barcelona-Catalunya continued to host a separate race under its own name. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was discontinued after its hosting contract expired at the end of 2025. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix was held on a Saturday to accommodate Azerbaijan's national Remembrance Day.
George Russell won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix for Mercedes. Kimi Antonelli then delivered a remarkable sequence, winning in China — where he also became the youngest polesitter in Formula One history — and following up with victories in Japan and Miami. At Monaco, Antonelli achieved a grand chelem, taking pole position, winning the sprint, winning the race, and recording the fastest lap. He also became the youngest winner of the Monaco Grand Prix. Through seven races, Antonelli led the Drivers' Championship and was described as Italy's first championship leader since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Lewis Hamilton took his maiden victory for Ferrari at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, becoming the oldest Grand Prix winner since Jack Brabham in 1970. Max Verstappen secured Red Bull's first podium of the season in Canada, finishing third. Oscar Piastri returned to the podium at Japan after missing the opening two rounds.
Kimi Antonelli led the Drivers' Championship following seven rounds, with Mercedes heading the Constructors' standings. The early season demonstrated a clear performance advantage for Mercedes with the new power unit regulations, while Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull worked to close the gap across subsequent rounds.
Oliver Bearman suffered a heavy crash at Japan, prompting regulatory discussion around the new power unit's performance characteristics. Active aerodynamics were disabled at Monaco following concerns about their behaviour on the tight street circuit.