The high-stakes F1 fight being played on crucial battleground

With the revolutionary 2026 F1 regulations just weeks away from their debut, five manufacturers are poised to define the sport's next era through completely reimagined power units featuring an unprecedented 50/50 split between electric and combustion power.

The original parts manufacturer (OEM) that produces the strongest power unit stands a good chance of taking the campaign — along with its customers — by storm.

That was the case in 2014, when Mercedes aced the new engine regulations and set itself up for almost a decade of dominance.

But which provider is most likely to replicate that success in 2026?

Mercedes (High Performance Powertrains)

Mercedes enters 2026 with the strongest supply network, providing power units to four teams: Mercedes, McLaren, Alpine, and Williams. 

Former Aston Martin strategy engineer Bernie Collins believes this gives Mercedes a crucial data advantage, suggesting "manufacturers who supply fewer teams will struggle more" in gathering performance insights quickly across the complex new regulations.

Ferrari

The Italian manufacturer continues its storied F1 presence, supplying three teams: Ferrari, Haas, and new entrant Cadillac.

Ferrari's power unit technical director Enrico Gualtieri acknowledged that all manufacturers have faced "an exceptionally complex approval phase" with the unprecedented regulatory shift.

Red Bull (Powertrains)

Red Bull's in-house engine division, developed with Ford's return to F1 as its technical partner after a 20-year absence, will power Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls.

This marks Red Bull's first completely self-designed power unit, following their establishment of the engine division after Honda's initial exit announcement.

Honda (Racing Corporation)

Honda has left Red Bull to team up with Aston Martin, supplying the Silverstone-based squad as part of an exclusive factory deal.

The Japanese manufacturer initially left F1 in 2021, but performed a U-turn. When it returned, its days with Red Bull were numbered.

Audi

The German manufacturer joins F1 for the first time, taking complete ownership of the former Sauber team. Audi will be its own sole customer, creating a full works operation from day one.

With the tripling of electrical output to 350kW and the elimination of the MGU-H system, the 2026 power unit battle promises to reshape F1's competitive landscape entirely.

But which of the five power unit providers will be the strongest at the start of the 2026 campaign? Let us know by voting below in the latest poll by RacingNews365!