Which F1 team is best placed to end McLaren dominance in 2026?

McLaren heads into 2026 as the clear benchmark of F1, having secured back-to-back constructors’ championships in 2024 and 2025.

But with a sweeping regulation reset coming in 2026, history suggests dominance rarely survives unchanged.

Mercedes looks to be a credible threat. It emerged from 2025 as McLaren's closest consistent challenger, albeit a distant second in the standings. Its power unit expertise becomes even more valuable under the new regulations, and few teams are better equipped to exploit a rules reset.

Red Bull remains impossible to ignore. While 2025 was a relative dip by its own lofty standards, it still won races and retained a world-class reference point in Max Verstappen. The switch to Red Bull Powertrains with Ford backing in 2026 is the big unknown, but if it delivers, Red Bull could rebound quickly.

Ferrari’s 2025 campaign promised more than it delivered. Flashes of early pace were undermined by issues and inconsistency, but Maranello has been openly prioritising 2026 for some time. With vast resources and a proven driver line-up, Ferrari could capitalise if it finally aligns design, strategy and execution.

Williams was one of the feel-good stories of 2025, establishing itself firmly at the head of the midfield. While a title challenge still feels ambitious, its upward trajectory, strong technical leadership and Mercedes power make them an intriguing outside bet.

Racing Bulls continued to progress steadily but remained constrained by scale. A major step forward under new rules is possible, yet outright championship contention seems unlikely as Red Bull's second team.

Aston Martin endured another uneven season in 2025, but its long-term focus for 2026 is clear. With new facilities and growing ambition, the reset offers its a chance to relaunch — though recent form urges caution.

Haas extracted solid results from limited resources in 2025, but the scale of change required to challenge McLaren is enormous. Staying competitive in the midfield would already be a success.

Audi’s final season of preparation — as Stake — before its full 2026 works entry showed gradual improvement. Expectation should be tempered, but factory backing and long-term vision could lay the foundation for future title bids.

Alpine struggled badly in 2025, leaving little evidence that it can exploit the new era immediately. However, with Mercedes power, anything is possible.

Cadillac enters F1 in 2026 facing the steepest climb of all. Even with strong partners and funding, year one will be about learning, not dethroning champions.

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