Bahrain is set to give fans their first glimpse of the next generation of Formula 1 cars, with pre-season testing scheduled at the Bahrain International Circuit next month.
The 2026 season arrives with high anticipation following an epic 2025, which saw a three-way title fight go down to the final round and McLaren’s Lando Norris finally emerged as the champion, unseating defending champion Max Verstappen. One of the biggest talking points is the sweeping set of new regulations.
Cars will be smaller and lighter, with an altered approach to aerodynamics, including active wings that can change configuration depending on track conditions. Power units will see the largest change since 2014, with a roughly 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical energy, removal of the complex Motor Generator Unit – Heat (MGU-H), and full use of sustainable fuels.
Drivers will have new tools for overtaking, including creative deployment of recovered energy and a manual boost mode similar to Drag Reduction System (DRS).
The grid will also feature four world champions for the first time in four years.
Carrying the number 1 on his McLaren, Norris joins Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen, and Fernando Alonso, combining for 14 titles among them.
2026 also brings a new Grand Prix in Madrid, joining the existing Barcelona-Catalunya race.
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