F1 2026 Preview: DRS Retired, Hybrid Power Takes Center Stage as Cadillac Joins the Grid

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the final race to feature the Drag Reduction System (DRS), the overtaking aid introduced in 2011. From 2026, drivers will need to manage car systems more actively as aerodynamic features and hybrid electrical power assume a far more visible role.

What Changed for 2026

The regulations introduce the sport's biggest technical overhaul in years. Cars are shorter, narrower and lighter, and feature movable "active aerodynamics" with dedicated modes — an X-mode for maximum straight-line speed and a Z-mode for improved cornering. Hybrid electric systems play a greater role alongside the traditional V6 turbo engines.

Instead of relying on DRS, drivers will deploy bursts of extra electrical power at key moments. The FIA had aimed for electrical systems to supply roughly half of peak output. That shift transforms race strategy: drivers may lift and coast on some straights to harvest energy for later deployment, making energy management as important as tyre and aerodynamic strategy.

What Teams and Drivers Face

Feedback from team simulators has been mixed, and the FIA says the rules place greater emphasis on driver skill. Pirelli warns that lap-time gaps between the quickest and slowest cars could be as much as four seconds a lap — a huge margin in F1 — and teams may see more engine failures as they push the envelope on performance versus reliability.

Mercedes, which supplies engines to McLaren and Alpine, is under the microscope after a difficult run with the "zero-pod" concept earlier in the regulation cycle. If it pairs a competitive power unit with a strong aerodynamic package, George Russell — who took two wins in 2025 — could become a title contender. Lewis Hamilton, now at Ferrari, expressed caution after a frustrating 2025 and said he was "not looking forward" to 2026 following the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Aston Martin is another dark-horse team to watch. Its 2026 car is the first under Adrian Newey's direct influence and will run Honda power; the team hopes to give Fernando Alonso his first win in 13 years. Williams, after shifting focus early to the 2026 programme, also aims to close the gap.

Grid Changes, Rookie Lineup and New Tracks

The grid expands to 22 cars as Cadillac — backed by General Motors — becomes the 11th constructor. Cadillac's driver pairing includes experienced winners Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, who bring a wealth of race experience.

British 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad will be the lone rookie on the 2026 entry list, driving for Racing Bulls. Most teams opted for continuity: eight of the 10 incumbent squads kept the same driver line-ups. The only other change among established teams is Isack Hadjar's promotion to Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, while Yuki Tsunoda moves to a reserve role.

The calendar gains a new street circuit in Madrid, dubbed the "Madring," which takes the Spanish Grand Prix title while Barcelona remains on the schedule — giving Spain two races for the first time since 2012. To accommodate the change, the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola is not on the 2026 calendar.

Testing And Season Start

Teams will run modified "mule" cars in late-2025 tests to evaluate next year's tyres, and the first on-track runs for the 2026 cars begin with a private test in Spain on Jan. 26. Public pre-season testing follows in Bahrain in February, ahead of the season opener at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8.

— AP Auto Racing