By Max Drinkwater
F1 is entering a new era with its biggest regulation change in the sports history. That isn’t the only change this year though with a brand new team, a major rebrand and the other nine teams all having made moves in performance terms, what should we expect for each team on track?
Cadillac
F1’s newest team comes into the sport with arguably the best case scenario for a new team with the American outfit joining the paddock smack bang at the start of a huge shift in the sports’ focus. A solid driver line up of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas is a pair of very steady hands, both have made a name in the sport for over performing a back running car which is likely the case for 2026. Cadillac won’t be setting the timing sheets alight neither will they be fighting at the front but a consistent year with some points sprinkled in could well be seen as a success.
HAAS
The inclusion of Toyota as a title sponsor and team branding heavily including the Japanese manufacturer is pointing many to thinking the sale of HAAS is more a case of when rather than if. For the time being though their driver lineup also has questions with bearman being touted as Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari successor could this be the year that gets him a drive at the Scuderia for 2027? And on the other side of the garage Esteban Ocon’s future has heavy doubts after public criticism from team principal Ayao Komatsu following a lacklustre year. 2026 can still be a successful year for HAAS with a strong ending to 2025 and the Ferrari power unit seeming to be one of the quicker packages except a midfield mainstay from HAAS.
Alpine
After a decline in recent seasons and the withdrawal of their power unit manufacturing branch the future is far from black and white. A driver line-up with huge questions about their future to pair with the team’s unrest doesn’t spell confidence for the outfit. Pierre Gasly isn’t getting younger and with no long term target after missing his chance at Red Bull leaves him short of top options and teammate Franco Colapinto was once held to a high ceiling but was in hindsight lucky to keep his drive for 2026 with no seamless replacement for the Argentine being a huge factor in him keeping his drive. The Mercedes power unit might hold some weight in performance but a season towards the back is likely on the cards again for Alpine.
Audi
The key difficulty for Audi lies in the fact they aren’t just building to new regulations but they are building their own power unit in their first season which is no small feat. A very strong driver lineup however could hold their key to a strong midfield running car. Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg both impressed last season and shocked the paddock with their end of season haul and if Audi can get the car competitive don’t be surprised to see both drivers regularly in the points.
VCARB
The junior Red Bull team are likely to have their usual fashion of a season and keep their spot as an established midfield runner. Our only rookie on the grid with Brit Arvid Linblad graduating from F2 to partner Liam Lawson will for sure be a lineup to keep an eye on with a head to head promising to catch a few eyes of other teams.
Aston Martin
The new regulations were meant to be the start of an Aston Martin dynasty but after testing that couldn’t be further from the truth. Frustrated drivers and potentially frustrated higher ups could lead to one toxic garage coming to Melbourne. Unless there’s a major turn around Aston will be lucky to see the midfield.
Williams
2026 has been the entire talk around Williams since James Vowles arrived and missing the Barcelona shakedown wasn’t ideal to put it simply. A strong 2025 will likely carry over in 2026 and paired with the Mercedes power unit as well as their incredible driver pairing Williams might just be sniffing the podium more regularly in 2026.
Red Bull
After falling horribly short in 2025 Max Verstappen and Red Bull will fight tooth and nail to get back on top. Their power unit has surprised during testing and has started to get people quietly hopeful but another strong year. But the question around Isack Hadjar still lingers about whether he will sink or swim at the top team. Although testing suggests a title charge potential it’s likely wishful thinking for Red Bull.
McLaren
The pace setters and reigning world champions will be looking to carry on their upward trend over recent years and deliver one of their drivers to world championship glory. Lando Norris will be desperate to defend his maiden title but teammate Oscar Piastri will be hot on his heels after losing out last year. Expect McLaren to be well within the fight at the front this season.
Ferrari
They couldn’t do it could they? Ferrari forever have been the kings of false testing hope but this year something just feels different. A maiden title for Charles Leclerc or the fairytale end for Lewis Hamilton are both quickly becoming reasonable predictions rather than blind optimism. Ferrari need to be at the front and need to capitalise on their apparent testing advantage and if they can do that they’re well within title contention.
Mercedes
The silver arrows have been peoples early title favourites and testing showed why. That car isn’t just quick it is really quick, equally as quick as their driver pairing who will both be licking their lips at their title chances this year. Mercedes will likely be the pace setters in 2026 and must be strong favourites for title glory.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 