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Message
2026 Formula 1 (F1) Season Thread
Posted on 1/16/26 at 12:35 pm
Posted on 1/16/26 at 12:35 pm
Non-comprehensive 2026 introduction.
Biggest changes....
1. Cadillac is added to the grid bringing the team count to 11; will use Ferrari engines for now.
2. Audi takes over Sauber and will be a new engineer manufacturer, Renault/Alpine engines are no longer. Honda moving to Aston, Ford and Audi new to the scene.
3. Broadcast rights, in the US, will move from ESPN to AppleTV this year. For year one Apple will just use the F1TV feed/crew. They are supposed to expand to their own team in the coming years. "F1® TV Premium will continue to be available in the U.S., included with an Apple TV subscription only" (testing broadcast is unclear and may only be through the F1TV app).
4. New regulations; gone is the ground effect era that produced bouncing cars and by the end terrible racing. Gone is MGU-H and now more electrical power that will be all about energy harvesting and deployment.
5. 4 World Champions on the grid (Hamilton, Verstappen, Alonso, Norris).
6 Two Spain races this year with a new race in Madrid. Monaco not on Indy weekend.
The 2026 Formula 1 grid will feature 11 teams, including established names like Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, Aston Martin, Alpine, Haas, Williams, and Racing Bulls, plus new entrants Audi (taking over Sauber) and Cadillac.
• Oracle Red Bull Racing: Max Verstappen & Isack Hadjar
• Scuderia Ferrari: Lewis Hamilton & Charles Leclerc
• Mercedes-AMG F1 Team: George Russell & Andrea Kimi Antonelli
• McLaren F1 Team: Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri
• Aston Martin F1 Team: Fernando Alonso & Lance Stroll
• Alpine F1 Team: Pierre Gasly & Franco Colapinto
• Williams F1 Team: Carlos Sainz & Alexander Albon
• Visa Cash App Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson & Arvid Lindblad (rookie)
• Haas F1 Team: Esteban Ocon & Oliver Bearman
• Audi F1 Team: Nico Hülkenberg & Gabriel Bortoleto
• Cadillac F1 Team: Sergio Perez & Valtteri Bottas
Teams/Drivers
Due to the new team the qualifying format keeps the three-stage knockout but increases eliminations due to the 22-car grid: 6 cars are dropped in Q1 and six more in Q2. This will leave the traditional top-ten shootout for pole
Session lengths stay 18, 15, and 12 minutes for Q1, Q2, and Q3, respectively.
The 2026 F1 regulations bring 'major' changes:
Smaller and lighter cars with active aerodynamics to replacing DRS. The thought is this will allow for closer racing. The active aero will have activation areas similar to DRS but will be available to all cars on all laps (assumption is they will disable the function similar to DRS rules).
The cars are slightly smaller and lighter:
Key Size Differences (2025 vs 2026)
• Wheelbase: Shorter by 7.87 in (133.86 in vs 141.73 in).
• Overall Width: Narrower by 3.94 in (74.80 in vs 78.74 in).
• Minimum Weight: Lighter by 70.55 lb (1693.07 lb vs 1763.70 lb).
• Tires: Front tires are 0.98 in narrower and rear tires are 1.18 in narrower, with 18-inch rims remaining.
Key Size Differences (2025 vs 2026)
• Wheelbase: Shorter by 200mm (3400mm vs 3600mm).
• Overall Width: Narrower by 100mm (1900mm vs 2000mm).
• Minimum Weight: Lighter by 32kg (768kg vs 800kg).
• Tires: Front tires narrower by 25mm, rear by 30mm, with 18-inch rims remaining.
2025 vs 2026 regulation (Driver61 Youtube)
A 50/50 hybrid power split with more electric power and 100% sustainable fuel. These cars will act more like hybrids as we know them on the road. Using the engine for battery charging as much as propulsion. The thought is that energy management will be crucial to the drivers.
Key changes include active wings (front and rear) for drag/downforce, enhanced MGU-K, removal of the MGU-H. In theory these engines are taking a step back in efficiency by removing the waste heat recovery of the MGU-H(eat) system. Off season rumors have swirled around one or more of the teams finding an advantage to increase engine compression; potentially through expanding metallurgy once the engine is heated.
Engine suppliers for team
Engine trick explained (Youtube B Sport)
Youtube Link
The fuel is now 100% renewable and is potentially showing additional challenges for some teams. For preseason testing F1 is allowing the teams to use non-approved fuels. Some speculation is that fuel suppliers aren't prepared and some speculation is because of cost (saw one estimate of $200/litre or $700/gallon). Each engine manufacturer pairs with their own fuel supplier.
Key Preseason Schedule
Season Schedule
Finally the 2026 TD F1 Championship provided by TouchedTheAxeIn82
Last years result
Biggest changes....
1. Cadillac is added to the grid bringing the team count to 11; will use Ferrari engines for now.
2. Audi takes over Sauber and will be a new engineer manufacturer, Renault/Alpine engines are no longer. Honda moving to Aston, Ford and Audi new to the scene.
3. Broadcast rights, in the US, will move from ESPN to AppleTV this year. For year one Apple will just use the F1TV feed/crew. They are supposed to expand to their own team in the coming years. "F1® TV Premium will continue to be available in the U.S., included with an Apple TV subscription only" (testing broadcast is unclear and may only be through the F1TV app).
4. New regulations; gone is the ground effect era that produced bouncing cars and by the end terrible racing. Gone is MGU-H and now more electrical power that will be all about energy harvesting and deployment.
5. 4 World Champions on the grid (Hamilton, Verstappen, Alonso, Norris).
6 Two Spain races this year with a new race in Madrid. Monaco not on Indy weekend.
The 2026 Formula 1 grid will feature 11 teams, including established names like Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, Aston Martin, Alpine, Haas, Williams, and Racing Bulls, plus new entrants Audi (taking over Sauber) and Cadillac.
• Oracle Red Bull Racing: Max Verstappen & Isack Hadjar
• Scuderia Ferrari: Lewis Hamilton & Charles Leclerc
• Mercedes-AMG F1 Team: George Russell & Andrea Kimi Antonelli
• McLaren F1 Team: Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri
• Aston Martin F1 Team: Fernando Alonso & Lance Stroll
• Alpine F1 Team: Pierre Gasly & Franco Colapinto
• Williams F1 Team: Carlos Sainz & Alexander Albon
• Visa Cash App Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson & Arvid Lindblad (rookie)
• Haas F1 Team: Esteban Ocon & Oliver Bearman
• Audi F1 Team: Nico Hülkenberg & Gabriel Bortoleto
• Cadillac F1 Team: Sergio Perez & Valtteri Bottas
Teams/Drivers
Due to the new team the qualifying format keeps the three-stage knockout but increases eliminations due to the 22-car grid: 6 cars are dropped in Q1 and six more in Q2. This will leave the traditional top-ten shootout for pole
Session lengths stay 18, 15, and 12 minutes for Q1, Q2, and Q3, respectively.
The 2026 F1 regulations bring 'major' changes:
Smaller and lighter cars with active aerodynamics to replacing DRS. The thought is this will allow for closer racing. The active aero will have activation areas similar to DRS but will be available to all cars on all laps (assumption is they will disable the function similar to DRS rules).
The cars are slightly smaller and lighter:
Key Size Differences (2025 vs 2026)
• Wheelbase: Shorter by 7.87 in (133.86 in vs 141.73 in).
• Overall Width: Narrower by 3.94 in (74.80 in vs 78.74 in).
• Minimum Weight: Lighter by 70.55 lb (1693.07 lb vs 1763.70 lb).
• Tires: Front tires are 0.98 in narrower and rear tires are 1.18 in narrower, with 18-inch rims remaining.
Key Size Differences (2025 vs 2026)
• Wheelbase: Shorter by 200mm (3400mm vs 3600mm).
• Overall Width: Narrower by 100mm (1900mm vs 2000mm).
• Minimum Weight: Lighter by 32kg (768kg vs 800kg).
• Tires: Front tires narrower by 25mm, rear by 30mm, with 18-inch rims remaining.
2025 vs 2026 regulation (Driver61 Youtube)
A 50/50 hybrid power split with more electric power and 100% sustainable fuel. These cars will act more like hybrids as we know them on the road. Using the engine for battery charging as much as propulsion. The thought is that energy management will be crucial to the drivers.
Key changes include active wings (front and rear) for drag/downforce, enhanced MGU-K, removal of the MGU-H. In theory these engines are taking a step back in efficiency by removing the waste heat recovery of the MGU-H(eat) system. Off season rumors have swirled around one or more of the teams finding an advantage to increase engine compression; potentially through expanding metallurgy once the engine is heated.
Engine suppliers for team
Engine trick explained (Youtube B Sport)
Youtube Link
The fuel is now 100% renewable and is potentially showing additional challenges for some teams. For preseason testing F1 is allowing the teams to use non-approved fuels. Some speculation is that fuel suppliers aren't prepared and some speculation is because of cost (saw one estimate of $200/litre or $700/gallon). Each engine manufacturer pairs with their own fuel supplier.
Key Preseason Schedule
Season Schedule
Finally the 2026 TD F1 Championship provided by TouchedTheAxeIn82
Last years result
This post was edited on 1/16/26 at 12:45 pm
10
Posted on 1/16/26 at 12:36 pm to fightin tigers
The 2026 F1 launch schedule
January 15: Red Bull & Racing Bulls (Detroit)
Red Bull
Racing Bulls
January 19: Haas (online)
January 20: Audi (Berlin)
January 20: Honda engine (Tokyo)
January 22: Mercedes (online)
January 23: Ferrari
January 23: Alpine (Barcelona)
February 3: Williams (online)
February 8: Cadillac (Super Bowl advert)
February 9: McLaren (Bahrain)
February 9: Aston Martin
quote:
Formula 1 introduced new livery rules for 2026, mandating that at least 55% of a car's surface area (viewed from the side and top) must be painted or stickered, preventing excessive bare carbon fiber to improve visual distinction
January 15: Red Bull & Racing Bulls (Detroit)
Red Bull
Racing Bulls
January 19: Haas (online)
January 20: Audi (Berlin)
January 20: Honda engine (Tokyo)
January 22: Mercedes (online)
January 23: Ferrari
January 23: Alpine (Barcelona)
February 3: Williams (online)
February 8: Cadillac (Super Bowl advert)
February 9: McLaren (Bahrain)
February 9: Aston Martin
This post was edited on 1/16/26 at 1:56 pm
Posted on 1/16/26 at 12:36 pm to fightin tigers
Reserved for key gifs
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This post was edited on 1/16/26 at 1:46 pm
Posted on 1/16/26 at 12:46 pm to fightin tigers
How long until admins bottom sticky and ruin this thread again this year 
Posted on 1/16/26 at 12:49 pm to fightin tigers
We are back!
Mercedes engine trick might be more valuable than previously thought.
“ NEW: The real advantage of the Mercedes compression trick might be much bigger than 15 hp.
If their combustion engine is extremely efficient, they could use the extra fuel allowance to generate more electrical energy. That could keep the battery fully charged almost all the time a huge performance gain.”
Been some mixed messages about whether RedBull/Ford have done the same thing, this indicates they have.
I think Williams will be the team to watch this year. They worked on this car for all or most of last season. Paired with a Mercedes engine that is expected be hot, Williams could really move up the order if other teams arnt ready.
Mercedes engine trick might be more valuable than previously thought.
“ NEW: The real advantage of the Mercedes compression trick might be much bigger than 15 hp.
If their combustion engine is extremely efficient, they could use the extra fuel allowance to generate more electrical energy. That could keep the battery fully charged almost all the time a huge performance gain.”
Been some mixed messages about whether RedBull/Ford have done the same thing, this indicates they have.
Loading Twitter/X Embed...
If tweet fails to load, click here. I think Williams will be the team to watch this year. They worked on this car for all or most of last season. Paired with a Mercedes engine that is expected be hot, Williams could really move up the order if other teams arnt ready.
Posted on 1/16/26 at 12:51 pm to fightin tigers
Subscribed! Thanks!
Posted on 1/16/26 at 12:57 pm to fightin tigers
Posted on 1/16/26 at 1:03 pm to fightin tigers
So, I have relatives that are huge F1 fans. I know almost nothing about it except what I have heard them share with each other about it.
I guess I will give it a go this season and see if it's something I enjoy. I have no idea where to start though
3 of my relatives are Lewis Hamilton fans. The other one is a Lando Norris fan.
I guess I will give it a go this season and see if it's something I enjoy. I have no idea where to start though
3 of my relatives are Lewis Hamilton fans. The other one is a Lando Norris fan.
Posted on 1/16/26 at 1:07 pm to Red Foreman
Shift+F1 podcast does a yearly primer that will teach you everything you need to know. They have not put it out this year but when they do I will add it to the OP
Posted on 1/16/26 at 1:10 pm to fightin tigers
quote:
Smaller and lighter cars with active aerodynamics to replacing DRS.
Wait, what. I had no idea this was happening.
Posted on 1/16/26 at 1:16 pm to Red Foreman
A crazy stat about Lewis Hamilton. This is skewed a bit because they have significantly more races every year now than in the past but still a crazy stat
Loading Twitter/X Embed...
If tweet fails to load, click here.Posted on 1/16/26 at 1:27 pm to MississippiLebowski
Do we get RPM for this season? Dude when completely silent last year.
Posted on 1/16/26 at 1:32 pm to Lsut81
quote:
Do we get RPM for this season? Dude when completely silent last year
He isn't really my cup of tea so I haven't followed closely. I have read a few spots where he basically grifted a bunch of people into paying for Paetreon or something similar and hasn't put out any content.
He is saying he gets demonitized and harassed by F1 as an excuse.
Posted on 1/16/26 at 1:50 pm to fightin tigers
The blue gloss looks good. I wonder how 'real' of a car they used versus a 'show' car.
Posted on 1/16/26 at 2:15 pm to fightin tigers
Team HAAS checking in!
Can't wait to see the cars with the new regs. Hopefully HAAS can stay mid pack.
Can't wait to see the cars with the new regs. Hopefully HAAS can stay mid pack.
Posted on 1/16/26 at 2:21 pm to auisssa
quote:
Hopefully HAAS can stay mid pack.
If the rumbling is true about metallurgy for RB and Merc, then thats all we are going to have to look forward to this year is mid-pack.
If those two are truly going to get the supposed 15hp and .2 second a lap advantage, the season is a two horse race from day 1.
Posted on 1/16/26 at 3:04 pm to fightin tigers
Apple TV subscription required to watch is a bummer
Posted on 1/16/26 at 3:15 pm to WillieD
quote:
Apple TV subscription required to watch is a bummer
Yup, stupid arse move and will likely stall US growth.
I'll watch until May thanks to 50% off Apple TV sub they did for xmas, but after that, I'll just catch the highlights.
Posted on 1/16/26 at 3:43 pm to WillieD
quote:
Apple TV subscription required to watch is a bummer
It sure is! I've watched my last F1 race until something changes, and I've been a fan since the late sixties, early seventies
Posted on 1/16/26 at 3:43 pm to WillieD
Sorry for the double post, having a rough day apparently.
This post was edited on 1/16/26 at 8:54 pm
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