The two new names hunting McLaren and Red Bull's F1 success

Formula 1 stands on the brink of its most significant technical revolution since the hybrid era began in 2014.

From 2026, the sport will witness a fundamental shift in both power unit design and the size of the grid. 

The internal combustion engine to battery ratio will move to an equal 50/50 split, a dramatic change from 2025's 80/20 configuration. This represents the most aggressive move towards electrification in the sport's history.

Pre-season testing commences on 26th January at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with the Australian Grand Prix hosting the opening round on 8th March. 

Melbourne's Albert Park circuit will serve as the first proving ground for both revolutionary regulations and two ambitious new teams, taking the grid to 22 slots.

Audi's calculated assault

The German luxury marque's entry, officially confirmed in 2022, represents a significant statement of intent from the Volkswagen Group. Despite conquering virtually every major motorsport category, F1 has remained the missing piece in Audi's racing portfolio. 

Its most recent triumph, Carlos Sainz Sr's electric-powered Dakar Rally victory in 2024, demonstrated its commitment to innovative powertrain technology.

Audi's approach centres on a complete acquisition of the Sauber operation, retaining the established Hinwil facilities whilst simultaneously developing their power unit at the company's German headquarters. 

Qatari investment fund QIA has provided substantial financial backing, creating a war chest designed to challenge for championship honours.

Head of Audi's F1 project Mattia Binotto has set 2030 as a realistic target for world championship success, acknowledging the considerable challenge ahead. 

The project benefits from experienced driver Nico Hulkenberg's technical knowledge and Gabriel Bortoleto's raw pace, a combination intended to provide both immediate competitiveness and long-term development potential.

Jonathan Wheatley, formerly Red Bull's sporting director, leads the operation as team principal, bringing championship-winning experience to the manufacturer's ambitious project.

Cadillac's American dream

The second new entrant faced a more complex path to the grid. Originally proposed under the Andretti name, the project encountered resistance from Formula 1 Management before gaining approval following increased General Motors involvement and rebranding as Cadillac.

Development work has been split between American and British facilities, though the team faces an immediate technical challenge. 

Without an in-house F1 power unit, Cadillac will rely on Ferrari customer engines until 2029, when General Motors' own engine becomes available.

Extensive wind tunnel testing has already begun, whilst the driver lineup of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas brings considerable experience to the programme. 

Their combined knowledge of previous regulations should accelerate the learning curve for a manufacturer entering the sport's most competitive era.

Graeme Lowdon, previously team principal at Marussia, assumes overall leadership, supported by technical director Nick Chester. The experienced Pat Symonds also contributes to the technical programme, adding championship-winning expertise to the American manufacturer's assault.

Both projects face the reality of F1's current competitive landscape, where marginal gains determine success and failure. The new regulations provide opportunity for fresh thinking, but established teams possess institutional knowledge that cannot be easily replicated.