The new machinery is set to reduce the wheelbase by 20cm, the car width by 10cm, and the weight by 30kg making these new cars the smallest since 2016. Teams will also no longer be able to create long Venturi tunnels on the floor to create massive amounts of downforce (which coincidentally also create a massive amount of dirty air). These reductions in size and removal of the ground effect are key factors into what the FIA is hoping to create better racing up and down the field.

We can also say goodbye to our nemesis dearly beloved DRS which has been a major part of racing since it was introduced in 2011. That's not to say there are no active aerodynamic components, but the drivers will be able to activate the new drag reduction components whenever they want. Both the front and rear wing will have moving parts to reduce drag, and there is now no requirement on when drivers can activate the extra bit of speed.

Even without DRS, there is still a great benefit to being within 1 second of the driver in front. 2026 brings new driving modes called “Boost” and “Overtake” giving the drivers more tools to both defend and, well, overtake the car in front. If the following car is within 1 second of the driver in front of them at certain detection points (similar to the old DRS system), they may use the Overtake button to harness an extra bit of energy from the battery assuming they have enough energy stored. The Boost button will be available to drivers at all times however giving drivers similar control of their battery that they've had in the past. They may use the Boost mode to defend or catch up to the car in front anywhere on the track.

Luckily for the drivers, recharging their battery will be much easier with the new engine regulations. The new powertrains introduced in 2026 will be the same 1.6L Hybrid Turbo engines however they will be closer to a 50/50 split hybrid and use more sustainable fuels. With the new batteries and Formula 1's move to be more sustainable drivers will be able to charge their battery around twice as effectively. This change gives drivers more flexibility with their battery usage during both races and qualifying.

The FIA is hoping these sweeping changes will not flop as hard as the previous regulations, and from an outsiders perspective these changes seem to be a definite step in the right direction. With big changes like this, there are many unknowns going into the season. The pecking order of the teams could be massively changed depending on who nailed this regulation set to start.

Most teams expect these regulations to be decided by whose engine is most powerful, and RedBull Ford Powertrains and Mercedes have reportedly found a loophole in the regulations to increase engine performance. It is yet to be seen if this will translate to raw performance on track, but Mercedes engine customers McLaren, Williams, Mercedes, and Alpine and Red Bull engine customers Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls could be set to start the year strong assuming this performance trick delivers.

The Williams squad is looking to build on their momentum from the end of 2025, and with team principal James Vowles at the helm there is a good chance they come out strong. Since joining Williams in 2023, Vowles has vaulted Williams from last place in 2022 to 5th place in 2025 (best of the rest). Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon will bring great experience to the team and give the team a great chance to reach the podium again in 2026.

Aston Martin's blockbuster hire of the legendary Adrian Newey in the early parts of 2025 sets the UK based team up for success in 2026. While Aston Martin is not a customer of Mercedes or Red Bull Ford engines, Honda has consistently made great engines in their time as an engine manufacturer in F1. Even if the engine is not as performant, there is a great expectation that Newey will make a huge difference developing the teams aerodynamic package. Newey has designed cars for 12 constructors titles and 14 drivers titles in his time as a Formula 1 designer and is widely considered the best to ever do it. His presence at Aston Martin could be their key to success in 2026.

While they may have found a loophole to increase performance, this will be the first year Red Bull has developed an engine in house after ending their partnership with Honda in 2025. They brought in Ford as a partner to provide support leaning on their expertise in EV development and will officially rebrand as Red Bull Ford Powertrains at the start of the 2026 season. The new engine manufacturer has reportedly brought in many engineers from Mercedes and Honda to help deliver a performant engine, but there may be some growing pains if the engine doesn't compete with other manufacturers.

Cadillac is making its F1 debut, but is no stranger to racing having WEC and IMSA teams. Their previous ventures in racing will definitely benefit them in their first season on the Formula 1 grid. Paired with their experienced driver lineup of Valterri Bottas and Sergio Perez, they could get off to a strong start if everything goes their way this offseason. This will be the first time a brand new team joins the grid since Haas entered the sport in 2016. Haas ended up 8th on the grid that year, and if Cadillac has the same fortune it would probably be considered a successful first season. With no real way to tell how the car will perform however, Cadillac remains one of the biggest unknowns this season.