Everything to Know Ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 Season

From new broadcast rights to major automaker entries, the upcoming F1 campaign will bring big changes.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The 2026 Formula 1 season is set to feature a host of changes, including new broadcast rights in the U.S. moving to Apple TV, smaller cars with different aerodynamics, and the addition of several major automakers like Cadillac, Audi, and Ford. The engines will also be vastly different, relying more on hybrid technology. Meanwhile, there are questions about Honda's return with Aston Martin, while McLaren looks to defend its recent dominance.

Why it matters

The 2026 F1 season will usher in a new era for the sport, with significant technical and competitive changes that could shake up the established order. The shift to Apple TV broadcasts in the U.S. also represents a major media rights transition. These developments will impact how the sport is consumed and experienced by fans.

The details

The new F1 regulations for 2026 include smaller front and rear wings aimed at reducing downforce and promoting closer racing, as well as the elimination of the Drag Reduction System (DRS) in favor of 'Active Aero' that allows drivers to adjust wing flaps anywhere on the track. The hybrid power units will also be vastly different, with roughly half the power coming from electrical systems. This has led to drivers needing to adjust their styles to manage the new power delivery. Several major automakers are also joining the grid, including Cadillac, Audi, and Ford, which has partnered with Red Bull. However, early testing has raised concerns about Honda's return with Aston Martin, which has struggled with reliability and performance issues.

  • The 2026 Formula 1 season officially begins on March 8 with the Australian Grand Prix.
  • The U.S. broadcast rights have shifted from ESPN to Apple TV starting in 2026.

The players

Apple

The American tech giant has acquired the U.S. broadcast rights to Formula 1 races starting in 2026.

Cadillac

The American luxury automaker is entering Formula 1 as an 11th team on the grid, with drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

Audi

The German automaker has taken over the former Sauber team and will be running its own engines in 2026.

Ford

The American automaker has partnered with Red Bull Racing as part of the team's Red Bull Ford Powertrains engine building program.

Honda

The Japanese automaker has returned to Formula 1, teaming up with Aston Martin, but the team has struggled with reliability and performance issues in pre-season testing.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The 2026 Formula 1 season will bring a wave of changes, from new broadcast rights and automaker entries to significant technical regulations. These developments will reshape the sport's landscape and fan experience, setting the stage for an unpredictable and potentially thrilling campaign ahead.