The Rules
Engines
After 12 years, the 1.6-litre V6 hybrids remain, but now with much more electric power. The complex MGU-H, which used to generate electricity from the turbo, has been removed. Instead, the MGU-K, the motor-generator on the rear axle, has been tripled to 350kW, while the internal combustion engine adds 400kW. Together, that’s nearly 1,000bhp.
This means drivers will rely more on battery management, using strategies like “lift and coast” to keep the battery charged.
To prevent one team from dominating, engines are homologated before the season. Teams more than 2% behind the leaders can upgrade mid-season, while teams 4% behind get two opportunities to catch up.
Fuel
F1 is moving to sustainable fuels made from carbon capture, non-food biomass, and waste. Each engine has its own supplier, which will create a quiet development race behind the scenes.
Active Aero
The DRS remains, but drivers can now use it on certain straights every lap, not just when chasing another car. Front wings are now adjustable, lowering for speed on straights and popping back up for cornering.
This reduces drag, increases top speed, enlarges braking zones, and boosts energy recovery.
Bodywork
Front wings are narrower and simpler, and rear beam wings under the exhaust are gone. Front wheel winglets are removed, and bargeboards return. The goal: reduce turbulent air and improve close racing.
Tyres
Pirelli remains the supplier. Tyres are still 18-inch but are narrower by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear, cutting drag and weight.
Underfloor Aero
Ground effect has been replaced with flat step-plane floors and extended diffusers. Downforce is lower, making cars harder to drive but improving racing.
Dimensions and Weight
Cars are shorter and narrower: width drops to 1,900mm, wheelbase to 3,400mm, and minimum weight to 768kg. This makes the cars more nimble and challenging to handle.
Safety
The survival cell has been strengthened, the roll hoop can handle 23% more load, and the front impact structure now separates in two stages for extra protection.
Boost and Overtake Modes
Drivers now have more control over electric energy deployment. Boost Mode can be used for attack or defense, while Overtake Mode gives drivers extra energy when within a second of the car ahead.
The Grid: 2026
McLaren
Lando Norris [1] GBR, Oscar Piastri [81] AUS Norris is defending, while Piastri is hungrier than ever.
Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli [12] ITA, George Russell [63] GBR With a strong engine, Mercedes aims to dominate—but aero performance must match.
Red Bull
Max Verstappen [3] NED, Isack Hadjar [6] FRA Red Bull’s new engine is promising. Verstappen remains the benchmark.
Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton [44] GBR, Charles Leclerc [16] MON Ferrari is back with a fully committed effort. Strategic patience will be tested.
Williams
Alex Albon [23] THA, Carlos Sainz [55] SPA Williams aims to build consistency after last season’s progress.
Racing Bulls
Liam Lawson [30] NZL, Arvid Lindblad [41] GBR New rookie Lindblad joins to gain experience without being overwhelmed.
Aston Martin
Lance Stroll [18] CAN, Fernando Alonso [14] SPA Adrian Newey now leads the team; the challenge is winning with a diverse driver lineup.
Haas
Oliver Bearman [87] GBR, Esteban Ocon [31] FRA American competition adds new pressure. Haas will focus on racecraft and development.
Audi
Gabriel Bartoleto [5] BRA, Nico Hülkenberg [27] GER Returning to F1 with a new power unit, Audi starts from the bottom but aims high.
Alpine
Pierre Gasly [10] FRA, Franco Colapinto [43] ARG Alpine switches to Mercedes engines after a tough season.
Cadillac
Sergio Perez [11] MEX, Valtteri Bottas [77] FIN GM enters F1 with experienced drivers and leadership. Expect surprises if performance matches ambition.