Just after the 2025 World Cup, with Lando Norris’ title behind the wheel of a McLaren, Formula 1 is already thinking about next season, in which the radical change in regulations can change the current hierarchy of the discipline.
The 26-year-old Briton put an end to four years of Max Verstappen’s uninterrupted reign with Red Bull, after an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that was the last of the season and also the last before the change in regulations, called to promote equality between the teams.
— These are three elements to take into account for the next Formula 1 season.
Can Norris stay true to his style?
Norris highlighted that he won the title in his own way and with a team that respected its own “papaya rules” – the color of the team -, with equal treatment for the two drivers, which was maintained despite the pressure due to the tight end of the championship.
His title caused a wave of emotion due to the way he won and his handling of pressure, after having acknowledged mental health problems in the past due to criticism received at the beginning of his career.
“I feel like I managed to win it the way I wanted to win it, which was not by being someone I’m not. Not by trying to be as aggressive as Max or as forceful as other champions in the past,” he stated.
“My style is just to try to be a good person and a good team member,” he added.
Even Verstappen, considered an heir to drivers like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, true “killers” in their work (as Damon Hill defined the second in 1996), softened his style this year.
The departure from Red Bull of team boss Christian Horner created a less conflictive atmosphere, also in the paddock, regarding McLaren’s strategy of racing without team orders.
This style, which could become generalized in the future, was also highlighted by the other McLaren driver, the Australian Oscar Piastri, although it could have harmed him when he was the outstanding leader of the championship.
Mercedes, the best engine
Experts say Mercedes will set the pace next season having developed a new power unit that many of its rivals believe will boost its recovery as the leading team.
The German manufacturer has been testing and developing the new engine that must comply with next year’s regulations and the team hopes that the young Kimi Antonelli, who has already shone in many parts of the season despite being a rookie, will rival George Russell.
With the new regulations, the cars will be lighter, smaller and more agile, with the weight reduced by 30 kilos.
But Mercedes will not be the only one to equip its cars with engines from the German brand, as McLaren, Williams and Alpine will also do so.
Red Bull and its little brother Racing Bulls will use Red Bull Powertrains, their own engine developed after the break with Honda, which will power Aston Martin.
Ferrari will use its own engines as always, in addition to supplying propellants to Haas and the new Cadillac team.
Audi and Cadillac, new faces
The Sauber team closed a season with a bitter aftertaste, with a podium in Silverstone, but with only 70 points added by its two drivers, the German Nico Hulkenberg and the Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto.
Sauber, which finished 2025 in the penultimate place in the constructors’ standings (only ahead of Alpine), will become Audi next year and, with the experience acquired this year and with the same drivers, the German brand hopes to be able to compete with the teams at the top of the championship.
The other new face on the grid will be Cadillac, which arrives with a lot of money to bring the American touch to the championship, with the backing of General Motors.
For its debut, the team relies on two experienced drivers such as the Mexican Sergio Pérez and the Finnish Valtteri Bottas.
In terms of driver moves, Verstappen will have a new partner at Red Bull following the promotion of Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls, after an outstanding rookie season.
The Frenchman’s seat in Red Bull’s sister team will be occupied by 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad, alongside New Zealander Liam Lawson.
The change in regulations has not been well received by many drivers, although it has been well received by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has completed a disastrous first season at Ferrari, who according to Charles Leclerc faces a decisive moment this winter if the Scuderia wishes to recover the splendor of yesteryear.
