In 2026, Formula One is bringing in new regulations and new teams, marking the biggest reset in modern F1. The reset plans on reshaping aerodynamics, power units, car size and race strategy in an attempt to make F1 more sustainable and increase racing. While adding a whole new team into the mix.

One of the most notable changes to F1 will be the new constructor, Cadillac. They are the first completely new team to enter the grid since Haas in 2016 and will be the 11th team on the grid, meaning that there will be 22 full-time drivers in this year's drivers’ championship. It has been confirmed that Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will be returning to the grid with the new team in the hope that their experience can be an advantage, all while being led by new team principal Graeme Lowdon.

The biggest regulation change that will be noticeable for fans is the removal of DRS. Instead, the cars will use active aerodynamics to reduce drag and increase straight–line speed. This will come in the form of movable front and rear wing flaps so that they adjust between high and low downforce. In contrast to DRS, which only worked when in a second behind the car in front, the new movable flaps will make the car overall faster down straights without needing to be near other cars.

To replace the DRS system, there will be the overtake mode. This will combine the active aero with an electrical deployment system to aid passing in hopes of creating better racing and to conserve more energy throughout the lap.

Most of the changes, however, will not make an obvious change for the viewers. For example, one change in the regulations is that the engines will shift to a 50/50 hybrid. This means the engines will be 50% electric and 50% combustion, making the engines more sustainable and simpler.

With the new design, the entry barriers for manufacturers are lower, so that teams can go to new manufacturers instead of staying with the main providers, Mercedes and

Ferrari, which has allowed Cadillac to start preparing its own engine manufacturer, GM Performance Power Unit LLC. Although Cadillac will start in F1 with a Ferrari power unit, it plans to switch to its own provider in 2029.

The regulations also plan on making the cars smaller, lighter and nimbler. By making the cars smaller and lighter, it should improve the handling of the car and make it easier to have closer battles on track. Fans can hopefully look forward to more action on track compared to previous years. Alongside making the cars smaller, there are also going to be upgrades to the chassis to make them stronger and safer by updating the crash safety standards.

The first time we will get a potential glimpse of the new cars will be at the team's releases, with the first one set for the 15th of January. The fans' first chance to see the cars on track will be at the second pre-season testing on the 11th of February.

This season kicks off on the 8th of March, where fans can finally see what difference these new rules will make, marking it the start of this new era of Formula 1.

All information from www.fia.com - F1's New Era