By Kayleigh Northall.
2026 is the 76th season of Formula 1 and there will be 11 teams on the grid and 22 drivers. Presently changes are being introduced to make F1 more financially and sustainably viable. But what about the future? How would the grid look like in 2036.
With the sport’s popularity growing, new and past circuits have been considered as Grand Prix hosts, including Thailand and Rwanda and Portugal has been considered as a returning possibility.
The FIA (F1’s Governing Body) has introduced revised aerodynamic regulations and new power unit rules, including increased battery power and the use of advanced sustainable fuels to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the sport.
F1 cars will run on advanced sustainable fuels, transitioning from fossil fuels to fuel derived from second-generation waste. The FIA has unveiled regulations that will define the sport, with a focus on agility, competition, safety and sustainability. With the advancement of fuels, could the future be Electric power. The likes of Toyota, Tesla, Lucid and Aspark are on the sidelines. These brands represent a mix of established auto makers and new entrants, all contributing to the growing Electric vehicle market.
Ford with its long history in Motorsport and ongoing involvement in NASCAR and Endurance racing, Ford is a prime candidate for a full works team in F1.
Toyota, the Japanese automaker has already partnered with Haas and could expand that relationship into a full F1 team.
Lotus, with its racing history and involvement in F1, Lotus is a brand that could make a comeback in the sport.
The brands Jaguar, Mitsubishi and Nissan have been mentioned as potential entrants, but they may face challenges due to their current performance in other Motorsport categories.
These brands are just a few examples of the potential entrants into the Formula 1 grid. The FIA is actively seeking new teams, and the sport is growing in popularity, making it an exciting time for new entrants.
The emergence of new talent in Formula 1 is unmistakable, with several promising drivers poised to make their mark. Although the 2025 F2 championship eluded British driver Luke Browning, his impressive performances have secured him a place on the radar of every F1 team looking to the future. Meanwhile, Doriane Pin, a 22-year-old from France, displayed remarkable resilience and consistency to clinch the 2025 F1 Academy title for Mercedes, overcoming a season filled with unpredictability.
Leonardo Fornaroli’s back-to-back triumphs in Formula 3 and Formula 2 have placed him among elite company, joining the ranks of Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Oscar Piastri, and Gabriel Bortoleto. Despite this, the Italian is set to spend 2026 as a reserve and development driver for McLaren, with hopes of making his FP1 debut soon.
Rafael Camara, a Ferrari junior, dominated the 2025 F3 season and now aims to continue his winning streak by pursuing a third consecutive championship, following his 2024 FRECA success. In the F1 Academy, Ella Lloyd’s debut season was highlighted by a breakthrough victory in Jeddah, and as the highest-returning driver in the McLaren program, she is a strong contender for the upcoming title.
Seventeen-year-old Alba Larsen, the youngest competitor in the 2025 F1 Academy, may not have reached the podium yet, but Ferrari’s continued support signals belief in her potential as she enters her second season. Finally, Dutch driver Rocco Coronel, just 15, made history as the first non-British champion of the Ginetta Junior Championship, amassing 11 wins and 19 podiums in 22 races—a testament to his burgeoning talent and bright future in motorsport.
The future of Formula 1 looks promising with a powerful sense of sustainability, technological advancements and the emergence of a new generation of drivers. These changes are expected to enhance the racing experience for fans and create a more competitive environment on the track. As the sport eveolves it will continue to attract new audiences and maintain its status as the pinnacle of motorsport. These developments reflect F1’s ambition to innovate and adapt to the changing landscape of Motorsport, ensuring the sport remains relevant and engaging for fans around the world.
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