The 2026 Formula 1 season represents a watershed moment in the sport's history, featuring sweeping new power unit regulations that mandate 50% electric and 50% combustion engine power using 100% sustainable fuels. The grid expands to eleven teams with the arrival of Cadillac (General Motors), while Audi enters as a full works team by acquiring Sauber. Honda returns as a works engine supplier partnering with Aston Martin, and Red Bull begins its partnership with Ford Powertrains. The new technical regulations also introduce active aerodynamics and lighter, more nimble cars.
Starting in 2026, Formula 1's new power unit regulations come into force, featuring a 50/50 split between electric and combustion engine power, 100% sustainable fuels, and the removal of the MGU-H in favor of a more powerful MGU-K. These rules were formally approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council in August 2022.
Honda returns to Formula 1 as a full works engine manufacturer, partnering exclusively with Aston Martin Aramco. The Japanese company announced this partnership in November 2022, ending its previous arrangement of supplying engines through Red Bull Powertrains.
The 2026 Formula 1 World Championship is scheduled to commence in early March 2026, marking the dawn of a new regulatory era with completely new power units and car designs. The season opener date is subject to final calendar confirmation by the FIA.
Audi makes its long-awaited Formula 1 debut as a full works manufacturer, having acquired a majority stake in the Sauber team. The German automaker announced its entry in August 2022 and has been developing its own power unit in Neuburg, Germany.
General Motors' Cadillac brand joins the Formula 1 grid as the sport's eleventh team, marking the first American constructor entry in decades. The team was officially approved by the FIA in November 2024 after a lengthy application process, expanding the grid beyond ten teams for the first time since 2016.
Red Bull Racing begins its partnership with Ford Motor Company through Red Bull Ford Powertrains, with Ford providing technical assistance in the development of the new power unit. This partnership was announced in February 2023 following Honda's decision to partner with Aston Martin.
The 2026 chassis regulations introduce significantly lighter and more agile cars, featuring active aerodynamics with movable front and rear wings to reduce drag on straights and increase downforce in corners. The new cars are designed to be approximately 30kg lighter than their predecessors and run on 100% sustainable fuel.
Madrid is scheduled to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix for the first time since 1981, joining the 2026 calendar on a hybrid street and permanent circuit around the IFEMA exhibition center. The race was announced in January 2024 as part of a long-term deal running through 2035.