If you're new to Formula 1, 2026 promises to be an ideal jumping-on point. F1 is gearing up for its biggest transformation in decades, moving on from the Ground Effect era that's been dominated by Max Verstappen, and to a lesser but still impressive extent, McLaren.
For years, drivers and fans alike have lamented the increased size of F1 cars (something that's proven particularly problematic in Monaco, for example). Well, this year's cars will be smaller, lighter, and far more agile, particularly around corners.
The new cars are 30kg lighter, 200 mm shorter, 100 mm narrower, with smaller tyres and higher downforce with lower drag. Inside the car, the power unit has been revolutionised, with a 50/50 split between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and electrical power.
While the combustion engine power drops from 550kW to 400kW, the electric power rockets by 300% from 120kW to 350kW. The MGU-H is replaced by MGU-K, tripling electrical power and doubling the energy recovered under braking.
The Drag Reduction System (DRS) is also no more, with a new Manual Override Mode that swaps out the drag-reducing effect of DRS with an electrical boost, increasing overtake opportunities and making races more exciting. Z-Mode will be used to help cars retain grip while cornering, while X-Mode boosts straight-line speed.
With 100% sustainable fuel and increased safety measures, the changes continue. The cars will no longer release new fossil carbon into the atmosphere, taking F1 another step closer to reaching its goal to become "Net Zero by 2030."
On the safety side, the roll hoop's load is being increased from 16G to 20G, with a strengthened safety cell there to prioritise driver protection. There's also going to be new safety lights, ensuring a greater focus on driver and marshal safety on track.
The next Formula 1 season will also feature some key engine changes for teams. Below is a full list of the teams, along with the six power unit manufacturers—Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault, Honda, Audi and Red Bull Powertrains—that will be used across the 11 teams on the grid.
McLaren (Mercedes)
Mercedes (Mercedes)
Red Bull (Red Bull-Ford)
Ferrari (Ferrari)
Williams (Mercedes)
Haas (Ferrari)
Aston Martin (Honda)
Racing Bulls (Red Bull-Ford)
Alpine (Mercedes)
Audi (Audi)
Cadillac (Ferrari)
The biggest talking points here are the fact that, for the first time, Red Bull is producing its own engine with help from Ford. Audi is also new to the grid, while Honda is jumping ship from Red Bull to Aston Martin. With former Red Bull chief technical officer Adrian Newey now Aston Martin's Team Principal, all eyes will be on how that shakes up the pecking order.
In the video below, you'll find a full breakdown and explanation of the biggest changes coming to the Formula 1 regulations in 2026. Trust us when we say this is an absolute must-watch, regardless of whether you're a new or returning F1 fan.