The 2026 season features significant regulation changes, including a revised power unit configuration and new active aerodynamics. Audi enters as a works team with its own power unit after acquiring Sauber, while Cadillac makes its debut using Ferrari power units. Honda has an exclusive works team agreement with Aston Martin, supplying their own power unit. Ford has 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.
Each team is required to enter at least two drivers, and all teams compete with tyres supplied by Pirelli. On four occasions, each team must field a driver who has not competed in more than two races in one of the first two free practice sessions. The Formula One cost cap for team operational expenditures was increased to $215 million for 2026, with a separate cost cap for power unit manufacturers also increased. New power unit regulations have been introduced, retaining the turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 internal combustion engine but removing the MGU-H and increasing MGU-K output. The power output of the internal combustion part of the power unit decreased. Fuel flow rates are measured and limited based on energy, and the power units use a fully sustainable fuel. The 2026 car concept revealed new active aerodynamics, elimination of the drag reduction system replaced by an overtake mode, and reduced wheelbase, width, and minimum mass. Tyre widths were also reduced. The downforce reduction for the 2026 cars is around 15% compared to the 2022–2025 generation. Safety regulations for the front impact structure were updated, side intrusion protection was improved, and the roll hoop's strength was increased. Lateral safety lights were mandated to display the ERS status of a car when it stops on track. Sporting regulations were modified regarding permanent driver numbering, with drivers permitted to change numbers pending FIA permission. 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, and an "out of competition" stewards panel was introduced. The requirement for a minimum two-stop strategy at the Monaco Grand Prix was dropped.
Cadillac became the eleventh team, marking its first appearance and the first new team since Haas in 2016. The team initially used Ferrari power units and gearboxes but will transition to a power unit developed by General Motors. Three new engine manufacturers entered Formula One: Audi entered as a works team after purchasing Sauber, Ford returned as an engine supplier in partnership with Red Bull Powertrains, and Honda relaunched an independent engine program supplying Aston Martin. Renault ceased to provide engines for Alpine, which became a customer team of Mercedes. 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, with Arvid Lindblad replacing Hadjar.
The 2026 calendar comprises twenty-two Grands Prix. The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled due to the outbreak of the Iran war. The Chinese, Miami, Canadian, British, Dutch, and Singapore Grands Prix feature the sprint format. The Spanish Grand Prix moved to a new street circuit in Madrid, while the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya continues to host a race. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola was discontinued. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is to be held on a Saturday.
Three pre-season tests were held. In the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, George Russell took pole position and victory for Mercedes, with Kimi Antonelli finishing second. Charles Leclerc finished third, and Lewis Hamilton fourth. Reigning World Champion Lando Norris finished fifth for McLaren. Max Verstappen recovered to sixth. In the Drivers' Championship, Russell took the lead. Russell also took pole position for the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix, with Antonelli and Norris behind. Hamilton took the lead in the race before Antonelli claimed his maiden victory. Antonelli became the youngest ever Formula One pole-sitter for the main race, converting it to a win. Kimi Antonelli took a second consecutive pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix, followed by Russell and Piastri. Antonelli's victory meant he took his first consecutive victories and overtook Russell to become the youngest World Drivers' Championship leader. At the Miami Grand Prix, Lando Norris won the sprint race, ahead of Piastri and Leclerc. Antonelli converted pole position to a third consecutive victory, with the McLarens of Norris and Piastri completing the podium. The Canadian Grand Prix saw Russell take pole position for the sprint event, which he won ahead of Norris and Antonelli. Russell then took pole position for the race itself but was forced out, with Antonelli taking his fourth consecutive victory. Hamilton finished second, and Max Verstappen third.
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