📷 RacingNews365
Formula 1 is gearing up for a big change in 2026 with new engine rules that promise more power, sustainability, and exciting racing. These regulations will shake up the sport, and some teams and engine manufacturers are already being tipped as favorites to lead the pack.
What Are the 2026 Engine Changes?
The 2026 rules focus on making F1 cars more eco-friendly and competitive. Here’s what’s changing:
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More Electric Power: The engines will use a 50/50 split between electric power and the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE). The electric part (called MGU-K) will jump from 160 horsepower to about 470 horsepower.
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Less Fuel: Cars will use just 70kg of fuel per race (down from 100kg), thanks to 100% sustainable fuels made from non-food sources or waste.
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No MGU-H: The complex and costly heat recovery system (MGU-H) is gone, making engines simpler and cheaper.
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Overtaking Boost: A new “MGU-K Override” mode will give drivers a burst of electric power to help pass rivals, similar to the old KERS system.
These changes aim to keep F1 fast (over 1,000 horsepower total) while being kinder to the planet. They’ve also attracted new engine makers, with six manufacturers set to compete in 2026: Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, Audi, Red Bull Ford Powertrains, and Cadillac (using Ferrari engines initially).
📷 Autoweek
Who’s Looking Strong?
Based on early buzz in the F1 paddock, testing rumors, and expert opinions, here’s a look at who’s favored to shine in 2026:
1. Mercedes: The Early Favorite
Mercedes is the name on everyone’s lips. Their current V6 turbo-hybrid engines have dominated F1 since 2014, and they’re reportedly ahead in developing their 2026 power unit.
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Why They’re Strong: Posts on X and paddock rumors suggest Mercedes’ 2026 engine is “phenomenal” and “on another planet.” Their experience with hybrid technology gives them a head start, and their engine is said to be powerful and reliable in early simulations.
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Teams Using Mercedes Engines: McLaren, Williams, and Alpine (switching from Renault) will benefit, with McLaren especially poised to challenge for wins if the engine delivers.
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Challenges: Some simulations at tracks like Monza show the electric power might run out on long straights, forcing reliance on the weaker ICE (540–570 horsepower). Mercedes is likely working to fix this.
2. Honda: A Dark Horse
Honda is making a full return in 2026, partnering with Aston Martin. After powering Red Bull to titles from 2021–2024, they’re a serious contender.
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Why They’re Strong: Honda’s recent engines were competitive, and X posts suggest their 2026 unit could rival Mercedes. Their focus on sustainable fuels and electric power aligns well with the new rules.
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Teams Using Honda Engines: Only Aston Martin, which could be a disadvantage if they don’t share data with other teams, but it also means focused development.
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Challenges: Honda admitted the 2026 rules are “very difficult,” and they’re “struggling” with the new tech. They’ll need to overcome these hurdles to compete at the top.
3. Ferrari: Steady but Quiet
Ferrari has been a consistent engine supplier, powering their own team and customer teams like Haas and Cadillac in 2026.
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Why They’re Strong: Ferrari’s current engines are solid, and they have years of hybrid experience. Their commitment to sustainable fuels is also a plus. However, there’s less chatter about their 2026 engine compared to Mercedes or Honda.
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Teams Using Ferrari Engines: Ferrari, Haas, and Cadillac (until Cadillac builds its own engine by 2029). This gives Ferrari plenty of data to refine their unit.
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Challenges: There’s little public info on Ferrari’s progress, which could mean they’re quietly confident or lagging behind. They’ll need to step up to match Mercedes.
4. Red Bull Ford Powertrains: The Newcomers
Red Bull is building their first-ever in-house engine with Ford’s support, a bold move for 2026.
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Why They’re Strong: Red Bull’s Christian Horner says they’re close to Mercedes, with simulations showing a gap of just 6 horsepower. Their partnership with Ford brings technical expertise, and their chassis design (already top-tier) could complement the engine well.
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Teams Using Red Bull Engines: Red Bull and their sister team, Racing Bulls, giving them two teams to test and improve the engine.
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Challenges: As a new manufacturer, Red Bull lacks the experience of Mercedes or Ferrari. Some X posts suggest they’re “a long way behind,” but Horner’s confidence hints they’re making progress.
5. Audi: The Unknown
Audi is entering F1 as a manufacturer, taking over Sauber. It’s their first time building an F1 engine, which makes them a wildcard.
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Why They’re Strong: Audi has massive resources from the Volkswagen Group and experience with hybrid tech in other motorsports. Their commitment to F1 shows long-term ambition.
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Teams Using Audi Engines: Only Sauber (rebranded as Audi), which could limit early data but allows focused development.
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Challenges: With no F1 engine experience, Audi is likely behind the established players. X posts suggest some manufacturers are struggling, and Audi could be one of them.
6. Cadillac: Starting Small
Cadillac joins as an 11th team in 2026, using Ferrari engines until their own power unit is ready in 2029.
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Why They’re Strong: They’re backed by General Motors, a giant in the auto industry, and will benefit from Ferrari’s engines initially. This gives them time to learn before building their own.
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Teams Using Cadillac Engines: None yet, as they’re using Ferrari power.
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Challenges: As a new team, their focus in 2026 will be on chassis development and team setup, not engine performance. They’re not a contender for engine supremacy yet.