Resolution criteria
The winner of the 2026 F1 World Drivers' Championship will be determined by the driver with the highest points total after all 24 races conclude on December 4-6, 2026. Points are awarded based on finishing position in each race, with the standard F1 points system (25 points for 1st place, 18 for 2nd, 15 for 3rd, etc.). Resolution can be verified via the official FIA Formula 1 website at https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html.
Background
Lando Norris is the reigning World Drivers' Champion, while McLaren-Mercedes are the reigning World Constructors' Champions. The 2026 season will feature a major set of regulation changes with a revised power unit configuration and new active aerodynamics. New power unit regulations are due to be introduced for the 2026 season, with the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Heat) being removed, while the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic) output will increase to 470 bhp from 160 bhp. Cadillac will become the eleventh team, marking Cadillac's first appearance in the series and the first new team on the grid since Haas in 2016. Audi will enter the sport for the first time, having purchased the existing Sauber team in 2024.
Considerations
New car design rules in F1 almost certainly causes a shake-up to the pecking order, with Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle describing the new regulations as the "biggest changes ever" in the sport. The regulations are scheduled to be in place for five seasons, meaning being quick from 2026 will set teams up to be competitive for the years to come. This unpredictability makes the 2026 championship particularly open compared to recent seasons.
This description was generated by AI.
Resolution criteria
The winner of the 2026 F1 World Drivers' Championship will be determined by the driver with the highest points total after all 24 races conclude on December 4-6, 2026. Points are awarded based on finishing position in each race, with the standard F1 points system (25 points for 1st place, 18 for 2nd, 15 for 3rd, etc.). Resolution can be verified via the official FIA Formula 1 website at https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html.
Background
Lando Norris is the reigning World Drivers' Champion, while McLaren-Mercedes are the reigning World Constructors' Champions. The 2026 season will feature a major set of regulation changes with a revised power unit configuration and new active aerodynamics. Audi, who acquired Sauber in 2024, will enter as a works team with its own power unit, while Cadillac is set to make its series debut using Ferrari power units, marking the first time an eleventh team has competed since 2016.
The MGU-H will be removed; MGU-K power will increase significantly (120kW to 350kW) for enhanced overtaking and straight-line speed. The cars will be shorter, narrower, lighter and nimbler. The wheelbase has been shortened, which in theory means they should be more responsive through corners.
Considerations
The regulations are scheduled to be in place for five seasons. Being quick from next year will set you up to be competitive for the years to come. Major regulation changes in F1 historically create significant unpredictability in competitive order. 1996 World Champion Damon Hill has backed F1 debutants Audi and Cadillac to be two of a number of teams that could cause a "complete surprise" in 2026. Additionally, Aston Martin is now led by new Team Principal Adrian Newey, the famed British designer who has pencilled the AMR26, automatically given the Silverstone-based squad a sense of added expectation.
This description was generated by AI.
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