F1 2026 season: Norris defends title as Cadillac join expanded grid
Lando Norris prepares to launch his Formula 1 title defence in Melbourne next month as the sport enters a revolutionary era featuring new regulations and an 11th team.
Madrid joins record-breaking calendar
The 2026 campaign will be contested over 24 rounds, matching the record length of previous seasons.
Action commences at Albert Park in Australia from 6-8 March, with the paddock eventually signing off in Abu Dhabi on 6 December.
A major addition to the schedule sees the Spanish capital of Madrid host a street race in September.
This new venue replaces Imola, which has been dropped from the global tour.
Cadillac entry sparks driver market shake-up
American manufacturer Cadillac has officially joined the grid, expanding the field to 11 teams for the first time since 2016.
The General Motors-backed outfit has opted for vast experience in their debut season, securing the services of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
At the front of the field, Norris continues his partnership with Oscar Piastri at McLaren following his championship-winning campaign.
Lewis Hamilton enters his second year alongside Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, while rookie Kimi Antonelli partners George Russell at Mercedes.
Red Bull have promoted Isack Hadjar to race alongside Max Verstappen, while Britain’s Arvid Lindblad makes his debut with Racing Bulls.
‘Biggest changes ever’ in technical regulations
The 2026 season marks a complete overhaul of the sport’s technical rulebook, impacting chassis, aerodynamics and power units.
Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle has described the new regulations as the “biggest changes ever” witnessed in the sport.
Teams have been developing these machines for years, with the new formula expected to reset the competitive pecking order.
The Drag Reduction System (DRS) has been scrapped in favour of a new ‘Overtake Mode’.
This system allows drivers to deploy additional power on designated straights when within one second of a rival.
Cars will also utilise ‘Active Aero’, featuring moving front and rear wings to optimise downforce through corners and reduce drag on straights.