Grab your prediction sheets and stock up on your favourite F1 snacks, the brand‑new Formula 1 season has arrived.
The 2025 season wrapped up with one of the tightest title battles the sport has seen in years. Lando Norris (McLaren‑Mercedes) secured his first Drivers’ Championship by a narrow two‑point margin. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) won the final race in Abu Dhabi and closed the gap significantly, but Norris’ third‑place finish was enough to seal the deal. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) completed the top three after leading the standings for much of the year. McLaren‑Mercedes also walked away with their second consecutive Constructors' Championship.
Now, with a major regulation overhaul landing in 2026, expectations have been turned on their head. Pre‑season insights and expert commentary point to George Russell (Mercedes) as an early favourite thanks to Mercedes’ strong testing form and promising new package. But he won’t have an easy ride, Verstappen is expected to put up a fierce fight. Oscar Piastri is also tipped to adapt well to the new changes, while Norris is still very much in the mix. Over at Ferrari, Charles Leclerc stands as the sole contender in the “favourites stall.”
From a team perspective, Mercedes and Ferrari appear well‑positioned, whereas McLaren may need time to adjust to the fresh regulations. Red Bull enters 2026 as something of a wildcard with their new in‑house Red Bull‑Ford power unit.
The 2026 season marks the most dramatic rule shift in over ten years, including:
• A new power unit concept featuring a 50/50 hybrid–combustion split and the elimination of the MGU‑H
• Active aerodynamics replacing the traditional DRS
• Smaller, lighter cars with narrower tyres
The grid also welcomes intriguing newcomers. Audi officially joins after acquiring Sauber, while Cadillac becomes the 11th team, powered by Ferrari engines and debuting with Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas behind the wheel. Driver changes include Isack Hadjar replacing Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull and rookie Arvid Lindblad stepping into Racing Bulls. Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari maintain unchanged line‑ups.
So, mark the weekend of 6–8 March 2026 in your calendars because that’s when the season kicks off in Melbourne, Australia. And even though South Africa still has no representation on the grid, it remains a favourite topic around the braai fires.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the automotive industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the South African motor sector forward.
