Formula 1 2026: New Regulations, Season Favourites & How to Watch Every Race

# Formula 1 2026: The Biggest Rules Change in 40 Years The **2026 Formula 1 season** is not just another year of racing — it's a complete reset. New power unit regulations have completely reshuffied the grid. Teams that thrived under the 2022-2025 rules may struggle, and new manufacturers have entered the sport attracted by the new formula. ## The 2026 Regulation Changes ### New Power Units - **1.6L V6 turbocharged hybrid** — same displacement, but massively more electrical power - **50% electrical, 50% internal combustion** split for the first time - New energy recovery systems from both brakes AND the turbocharger - **Honda returns** as a full constructor (leaving McLaren for Aston Martin) - **Ford enters** as Red Bull's power unit supplier (first new manufacturer in 20 years) - **General Motors / Cadillac** enters as the 11th team ### Aerodynamics - Active aero replaces passive devices - "Z-mode" for low drag on straights automatically deploys - Cars are shorter and narrower than the 2022-generation ## Championship Contenders ### Max Verstappen (Red Bull-Ford) The four-time champion now has a brand-new Ford power unit. If Ford's engine development works as planned, Verstappen should remain dominant. ### Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) Hamilton's first Ferrari season (2025) was underwhelming after the mid-season regulation changes. 2026's fresh regulations give him the best possible chance to challenge for an eighth championship. ### Lando Norris (McLaren) Norris finished runner-up in 2025. McLaren are one of the best-resourced teams in the sport. A championship breakthrough is expected. ### George Russell & Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) With the new regulations, Mercedes — who built their 2022-25 dominance on one of the best power units ever — have a new opportunity to return to the front. ## The 2026 F1 Calendar Highlights | Race | Circuit | Date | |------|---------|------| | Spain | Barcelona | June 12-14 | | Canada | Montréal | June 19-21 | | UK | Silverstone | July 3-5 | | Austria | Red Bull Ring | July 17-19 | | Hungary | Hungaroring | July 24-26 | | Belgium | Spa-Francorchamps | August 7-9 | | Netherlands | Zandvoort | August 28-30 | | Italy | Monza | September 4-6 | ## How to Watch F1 2026 ### UK: Sky Sports F1 (All races live) Sky Sports F1 shows every Grand Prix live including practice and qualifying. Channel 4 shows highlights of every race free. ### USA: ESPN ESPN and ESPN2 carry F1 live in the United States. ### France: Canal+ & Canal+ F1 Canal+ shows every Grand Prix live in France with French commentary. ### StreamVault Stream every Grand Prix with **Sky Sports F1, ESPN, Canal+ F1, DAZN F1** and other regional F1 broadcasters — all in one place through StreamVault. ## FAQs **Q: Will Max Verstappen win in 2026?** A: Pre-season testing suggests the Red Bull-Ford combination is competitive, but McLaren and Mercedes are closest they've been to Red Bull since 2021. **Q: How many races in the 2026 F1 season?** A: 24 races, including 6 sprint weekends. **Q: Is F1 on free TV in the UK in 2026?** A: Channel 4 shows highlights for free. Sky Sports F1 has all live races. Watch every F1 2026 race live with StreamVault. **Free 24-hour trial — no credit card needed.**