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2026 F1 season opens with radical changes
The 2026 Formula 1 season begins this weekend in Melbourne, introducing the sport's most extensive regulatory overhaul in decades. Cars are now smaller, powered by a near-equal split of electric and combustion energy, and run on fully sustainable fuels. The traditional drag reduction system (DRS) has been replaced with an "overtake mode" that grants drivers a temporary electric boost when trailing within one second of the car ahead.
Active aerodynamics redefine car behavior
Active aerodynamics now allow both front and rear wings to adjust angles dynamically, reducing drag on straights and increasing downforce in corners. Ferrari's pre-season test of an "upside-down" rear wing in Bahrain drew mixed reactions, with some drivers comparing the new cars to "Formula E on steroids" due to the heightened focus on energy management.
"The rules make F1 ridiculously complex, but the cars are more fun to drive," said seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton
Grid expands to 11 teams with Cadillac and Audi
F1 welcomes two new constructors: Cadillac, the first American start-up since Haas in 2016, and Audi, which acquired Sauber and built its own power unit. Cadillac paired Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas but faced reliability issues in testing, while Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg completed 357 laps, signaling midfield competitiveness.
Aston Martin's switch to Honda power units proved problematic, with reliability issues limiting their testing to just six laps on the final day. Red Bull, now with its own Ford-backed engine, emerged as a top-four contender alongside Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Driver lineup shifts and historic tracks
Isack Hadjar joins Max Verstappen at Red Bull after a podium finish with Racing Bulls in 2025, replacing Yuki Tsunoda. British rookie Arvid Lindblad, the youngest F1 driver in history at 18, debuts alongside Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls.
Spain's calendar now features two races: the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in June and a new street circuit in Madrid in September. The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will conclude its five-year return, while Silverstone hosts its first sprint race since 2021.
Six sprint races and final Dutch GP
The 2026 season includes sprint events at Britain, China, Miami, Canada, Zandvoort, and Singapore. Zandvoort's departure follows financial struggles despite sell-out crowds for Max Verstappen's home races.
The Australian Grand Prix opens the season from 6-8 March, with the race starting at 04:00 GMT on Sunday. Live coverage will air on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website.
