New regulations, new teams on the grid: what will the 2026 Formula 1 season look like? After the collective shakedown in Barcelona, teams are now preparing to return to the track for two further test sessions in Bahrain. The new technical regulations, which have significantly reshaped the world of Formula 1, could dramatically alter the competitive order. Despite the initial feedback gathered by the teams after their first laps on the Catalan circuit, there are still many unanswered questions surrounding the true pecking order.
A brand-new team will join the grid in 2026, while others, such as Alpine, have decided to change their engine supplier as part of the new regulatory cycle. Aston Martin, meanwhile, will officially begin a new era under the technical guidance of Adrian Newey, one of the most influential designers in Formula 1 history. At the same time, the Milton Keynes-based team will make its debut with the new Red Bull-Ford power unit, marking a major step into uncharted territory.
With so many variables at play, the big question remains: who will dominate the 2026 Formula 1 season? Former Ferrari driver and true motorsport legend Mario Andretti has offered his perspective on what this new chapter of F1 could look like, outlining a scenario that mixes continuity with the potential for unexpected twists.
After the era of ground-effect cars, Formula 1 is now ready to turn the page once again with a new generation of cars. It represents a revolutionary change compared to the recent past, but one that is firmly focused on the future of the sport. However, it is still far too early to have a realistic and complete picture of what 2026 will truly look like, given that teams have completed only three days of testing so far.
According to Mario Andretti, speaking in an exclusive interview with GPblog, despite this radical technical overhaul, the usual frontrunners could once again find themselves in a strong position. Andretti admitted: “You always look at the usual suspects, and then there will definitely be some surprises here and there. But that’s always the case.”
At the same time, the former Ferrari driver made it clear that the door remains wide open for unexpected developments during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Mario Andretti added: “The people who have performed the best so far are the ones who will make the most noise, without a doubt. But after them, anything can happen.”
With limited running completed and major technical and operational changes still bedding in, Mario Andretti’s words reflect the uncertainty surrounding the new regulations. While the established top teams may start as favourites, Formula 1’s next era could still deliver surprises that reshape the competitive landscape in ways few are currently able to predict.
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