Last updated by Molly Saxby on 15 October 2025

The 2026 Formula 1 season promises to usher in one of the sport’s most dramatic shifts in recent history. New engine regulations, manufacturer entries, team restructurings, and high-profile driver moves make this a landmark year. In this blog, we spotlight the teams and drivers set to dominate headlines, and what to look out for in the battle for supremacy.

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McLaren — A championship benchmark

Drivers:

  • Lando Norris
  • Oscar Piastri

McLaren enters 2026 with arguably the strongest and most stable driver pairing on the grid. Both Norris and Piastri have delivered consistent performances, and their long-term commitments to McLaren instil confidence heading into the regulatory upheaval.

Why watch them: If McLaren can translate driver stability into engineering gains under new rules, they may well continue as a benchmark team. The internal rivalry between Norris and Piastri could also be one of the season’s defining duels.

Ferrari — Experience and ambition

Drivers:

  • Charles Leclerc
  • Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari maintains one of the sport’s most star‑studded lineups. Leclerc remains a dazzling talent with the speed and audacity to challenge for wins. Hamilton, now with more experience and perhaps less pressure to chase championships, brings a steadying influence and immense racecraft.

Why watch them: Under new regulations, Ferrari’s technical challenge is massive. Their ability to deliver reliable power units and aerodynamic performance will be under the spotlight. The Hamilton–Leclerc pairing also offers dramatic narrative potential: veteran versus rising force.

Mercedes — Rebuilding under transition

Drivers:

  • George Russell
  • Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes enters 2026 in a transformative phase. They have locked in Russell and the promising rookie Antonelli to lead their efforts through the regulatory reset.

Why watch them: Historically, Mercedes has adapted well when rules shift. The challenge in 2026 is to regain their dominance in a landscape now crowded by ambitious rivals. Antonelli adds unpredictability and excitement — he may surprise even the veterans.

Cadillac — The bold newcomer

Drivers:

  • Sergio Pérez
  • Valtteri Bottas

2026 sees the entry of Cadillac as the 11th team on the grid, using Ferrari power units in their debut season. Pérez and Bottas — both experienced F1 campaigners — will bring leadership, race knowhow, and technical feedback crucial for a new team’s survival.

Why watch them: New teams rarely hit the ground running, but with a seasoned driver pairing and strong backing, Cadillac represents a dark horse. Their success will depend on reliability, development trajectory, and adaptability.

Other teams & drivers to watch

Aston Martin

  • Fernando Alonso
  • Lance Stroll
    Alonso remains one of F1’s most formidable competitors — expect him to exploit opportunities and mentor deeper team development under Honda’s engine re‑entry.

Audi / Sauber

  • Nico Hülkenberg
  • Gabriel Bortoleto
    Audi’s arrival as a full manufacturer team is one of the most intriguing developments on the grid.

Haas

  • Esteban Ocon
  • Oliver Bearman
    Haas may not top the standings, but could benefit from customer deals and smart development under new regulations.

Alpine & Others

  • Alpine: Pierre Gasly confirmed; second seat unconfirmed
  • Williams: Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz expected to stay
  • Red Bull: Max Verstappen confirmed; second seat pending

Key Storylines & Rivalries

  • Regulation reset: 2026 brings massive changes in engine architecture, aerodynamics and powertrain rules. How teams adapt will drastically affect the pecking order.
  • McLaren vs Ferrari: With both teams having stable, top-tier driver rosters, their internal consistency may become a deciding factor.
  • Veteran vs young guns: Narratives like Hamilton vs Leclerc, Russell vs Antonelli, or Pérez helping Cadillac get off the ground will carry emotional weight.
  • New entrants as disruptors: Cadillac and Audi’s entries up the unpredictability — which team surprises us?
  • Reliability and development pace: In a transition year, finishing races and bringing upgrades fast may outdo outright speed early on.

Final Thoughts & What to Watch

2026 is shaping up not just as another championship season, but as a turning point in F1’s sporting and technical evolution. The established teams must balance consistency with innovation, while newcomers like Cadillac and Audi could shake up expectations.

Don’t miss:

  • First races under new rules — they may already hint at the pecking order
  • Midseason developments where teams bridge gaps
  • Driver rivalries and tactical duels
  • Breakout performances from rookies and surprise team gains

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