The Automotive Manufacturers You may Acknowledge On The F1 Grid In 2026

In case you’ve not too long ago tuned out of System 1 as a result of it felt like soiled air was being talked about greater than overtakes, then it is perhaps time to rekindle the love. This 2026 season represents a brand new chapter—a manufacturing facility reset for each the powertrain and aerodynamics, with the main focus now turning to smaller, lighter vehicles.

Greater than something, this yr will probably be a battleground for a number of the world’s largest automakers. For the primary time in a long time, many of the logos on the grid will match the logos on our driveways.

With that, we needed to fill you in on the small print of who’s becoming a member of, who’s staying, and who the facility gamers could possibly be as F1 undergoes its greatest change in current historical past.

Alpine: The Solely Method is Up

Whereas Alpine street vehicles are a number of the greatest I’ve ever pushed, its F1 undertaking leaves lots to be desired. Following a run of poor outcomes, together with ending backside in 2025 with not even half the factors of Sauber, which completed second final, the Renault Group determined to close down its French engine program.

This comes because the group appears to be extra lean, specializing in what actually issues: the chassis. Due to this, Mercedes-Benz will probably be filling the empty house behind the driving force, and its energy unit is predicted to be spectacular this yr. 

Led by controversial character Flavio Briatore, there’s potential within the previous lady but, however with out actual backing from Renault, it looks like a shell of what it was once. Luckily, it boasts two very gifted drivers within the form of the skilled Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto. 

Audi: The New Heavyweight 

Photograph by: Audi

In case you’ve ever pushed an RS mannequin, you recognize simply how good Audi efficiency vehicles could be. When Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto joined Sauber, I requested them what their firm vehicles regarded like. The reply? An RS6—one thing Bortoleto was particularly happy with. 

However that is the Volkswagen Group’s first actual foray into F1. Audi has proven success in rallying, Le Mans, and touring vehicles up to now, so F1 appears to be the ultimate checkbox. The corporate is backing this effort with substantial assets, confirmed by the truth that it even constructed its personal engine.

Audi’s administration is confirmed, its drivers are gifted, and the corporate is hoping the change in rules will flatten the sector sufficient for it to be in with an opportunity. This behemoth of a crew could possibly be one to observe this yr. 

Cadillac: The American Dream

Photograph by: Cadillac

Pink Bull’s problem is nothing in comparison with Cadillac’s, which is coming into F1 for the primary time ever because the championship’s eleventh crew. It is a big step for the US, totally confirming the nation’s rightful place inside what was once a European-dominant sport. 

Supported by Basic Motors, there isn’t any scarcity of assets. However 2026 will probably be a yr of discovery for the crew, which is constructing its personal chassis from scratch. The ability unit will come from Ferrari—anticipated to be potent this yr—however Cadillac is working by itself powertrain and will introduce it near 2028. 

With motorsport legend Mario Andretti on the board of administrators and loads of different gifted people behind the closed doorways of its Silverstone headquarters, it is a promising crew. I used to be one of many few journalists invited to the HQ’s opening, and the environment was thick with confidence. 

Skilled drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas lead the crew in what will probably be an thrilling yr for them. 

Ferrari & Mercedes-Benz: Enterprise As Traditional

Lewis Hamilton In Ferrari’s F1 Automotive

Photograph by: Ferrari

The titans of the championship stay, with Ferrari and Mercedes supplying a number of different groups with their powertrains and parts. In a hybrid world, the Silver Arrows are the facility unit favourites, however the energy of the Scuderia ought to by no means be doubted within the pinnacle of motorsport. 

Each groups have a number of the greatest drivers on the grid. Mercedes has already confirmed the worth of George Russell, and younger up-and-comer Kimi Antonelli is rapidly rising into his function after his rookie season final yr. For Ferrari, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton supply an unmatched stage of expertise, and their data converse for themselves. 

Sadly for each groups, for the reason that starting of the bottom impact period, they’ve each did not set the world alight. They’re going to be hoping that being skilled works groups over a fancy change in rules will convey them the alternatives they should excel. 

Ford: The Return Of The Blue Oval

Photograph by: Ford

Ford is returning to F1 for the primary time since 2004. Partnering with championship large Pink Bull, the automaker is closely helping within the improvement of the crew’s powertrain division, Pink Bull Powertrains. The American marque has a variety of expertise with hybrid and fully-electric powertrains, but it surely’s keen to make use of the sequence as a take a look at mattress to enhance its street vehicles. 

It is honest to say that it is a large step for each Pink Bull and Ford. The crew relied on Honda for its powertrains within the years main as much as this modification, so managing this profitable transition isn’t any small feat. 2026 will probably be a troublesome yr for the Milton Keynes outfit for that reason, however new crew principal Laurent Mekies is able to steer a well-engineered ship by these troubled waters.

Max Verstappen leads the driving force lineup, with promising Isack Hadjar sat alongside him for the primary time after a profitable rookie yr in 2025. 

Honda: A Promising Powerhouse

Honda was planning on leaving F1, however after its sudden surge in recognition and deal with hybrid know-how, it might be foolish for the Japanese model to burn its bridges. Leaving Pink Bull on the finish of 2025, it now joins Aston Martin underneath crew proprietor Lawrence Stroll’s regime. 

Honda is a tried and examined winner within the championship with its powertrains being a number of the greatest on the grid, and with Stroll’s nearly unprecedented funding into his outfit, the celebs could be aligning for the Silverstone-based squad. 

Honda joins legend Adrian Newey, with model new infrastructure and the newest in wind tunnel know-how, in addition to two-time champion and F1 stalwart Fernando Alonso. There is no lack of expertise, and there is seemingly little that Stroll cannot purchase as they plan to hit the asphalt working this yr.

McLaren: Reigning Champions

Photograph by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Photographs

McLaren is staying put with a partnership that has served it properly during the last couple of years. Sizzling on the heels of an extremely profitable 2025, the place it gained each the constructors’ and drivers’ championships, the Woking outfit will preserve its energy unit partnership with Mercedes. 

Because it seems, McLaren was in a position to construct a greater automobile round its Mercedes powertrain than Mercedes itself, and with the German unit sounding sturdy going into subsequent yr, McLaren will definitely be one of many favorites.

Reigning champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri make a formidable duo, and the American CEO of McLaren Racing, Zak Brown, is a monetary powerhouse. He is been in a position to join the crew with sufficient cash to tug it from the again of the grid. Group principal Andrea Stella? He is a confirmed crew chief.

The one factor that might get in the best way now could be crew orders. The much less I say about that, the higher.