F1 is set for a massive overhaul in 2026 with lighter cars, new hybrid engines, active aerodynamics, and big driver changes. Here’s everything new in upcoming Formula One season.
The 2025 Formula One season recently concluded in Abu Dhabi, with McLaren’s
Lando Norris emerging as the Drivers’ champion and his team also winning the Constructors’ title. Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing finished as the runner-up by two points, while Norris’s teammate Oscar Piastri finished third.
Now, F1 is set for one of its biggest overhauls ever in 2026, with the FIA releasing new technical regulations last year that will completely change how the cars will look, feel, and race. From the F1 2026 season onwards, cars will be lighter, more agile and will come with some new technology.
Let’s take a look at the changes that will come in the F1 2026 season.
What’s new in F1 2026?
Lighter and more agile cars – The 2026 cars will be 30kg lighter, which should make them faster and easier to control. The wheelbase has been shortened by 200mm and the width reduced by 100mm. Downforce will drop by 30 percent and drag by 55. Even the tyres will be slightly narrower, but the rims will stay the same.
New power units with more electric power – The power units are getting a major redesign. While the hybrid engine’s power will go down slightly, the battery power will almost triple, rising from 120kw to 350kw. This means the electric part of the engine will be just as important as the combustion engine, giving a 50-50 power split. Cars can also recover double the energy while braking.
Active aerodynamics for closer racing – One of the biggest innovations is the introduction of active aerodynamics. Both the front and rear wings will now be movable. Drivers will be able to switch between two aero modes depending on whether they want more cornering grip or lower drag for straight-line speed. This is a bit like DRS, but more advanced.
Higher safety standards – The cars will have tougher crash structures, including a two-stage nose design to prevent it from breaking off during initial impacts. Side intrusion protection has been improved and the areas around the driver and fuel cell have been strengthened.
What the 2026 grid looks like
Kick Sauber will become Audi, while Cadillac will join the grid as the new team. 18-year-old British driver Arvid Lindblad will make his debut. He has an Indian connection as his mother was of Indian descent. Here’s a look at every team and their drivers ahead of the Formula One 2026 season.
McLaren – Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri
McLaren will stay unchanged. Norris and Piastri have formed one of the strongest pairings and helped McLaren win back-to-back Constructors’ titles. Team principal Andrea Stella will continue to lead the team.
Mercedes – George Russell, Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes will stick with Russell and Antonelli for now. Russell won two races in 2025 while Antonelli impressed with podiums in his rookie season. Toto Wolff will remain the Team principal and hope to bring Mercedes back to winning ways.
Red Bull – Max Verstappen, Isack Hadjar
Red Bull will bring in a new combination. Verstappen stays, but he will race alongside Isack Hadjar, promoted from Racing Bulls. Hadjar earned a podium in his debut year. Team boss Laurent Mekies will guide the team as they switch to Red Bull Ford engines from Honda engines.
Ferrari – Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari will keep their superstar duo intact for now despite rumours throughout the season. Hamilton’s first season has been tough, but the team hopes the 2026 car can turn things around. Team principal Fred Vasseur will remain in charge.
Williams – Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz
Williams will stick with Albon and Sainz after a strong 2025 season. They helped the team reach their best result since 2017. James Vowles will continue as team boss.
Racing Bulls – Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad
Racing Bulls will stay with Lawson and bring in rookie
Arvid Lindblad, who also has an Indian connection through his family roots. Lindblad is highly rated and will be just 19 when he makes his debut next year. Alan Permane will lead the team.
Aston Martin – Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll
Alonso and Stroll have been retained for the 2026 season. Aston Martin had a difficult 2025 season without podiums, but hopes are high with Adrian Newey taking over as team principal.
Haas – Esteban Ocon, Ollie Bearman
Haas will continue with Ocon and Bearman. Bearman impressed in his first season, scoring regular points. Ayao Komatsu will remain the team principal.
Audi – Nico Hulkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto
Audi’s first season will feature the Kick Sauber line-up Hulkenberg and Bortoleto. Hulkenberg finally got his first podium in 2025 after 238 races. Jonathan Wheatley will lead the team as they prepare for the full Audi era.
Alpine – Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto
Alpine will remain with Gasly and Colapinto despite a difficult 2025 with very few points. The team is yet to confirm its full-time team principal for 2026.
Cadillac – Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez
The new Cadillac team joins F1 with two experienced drivers – Bottas and Perez. They will run Ferrari engines until GM completes its own power unit in 2029. Graeme Lowdon will be the team principal.
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