F1 enters a new era: Audi factory team and Cadillac join 2026 grid

As the Formula 1 season restarts after the summer break, attention is already turning to the significant changes anticipated for the 2026 season. 

The F1 Driver Market is particularly active, with eight remaining seats yet to be decided for 2026. This suggests a potentially dramatic reshuffle of the grid, as drivers and teams negotiate their futures. 

While several sources confirm the existence of these open seats, they do not provide specific rumours about which drivers might fill these roles or where they could end up. The sheer number of available seats, however, indicates a period of great flux for many drivers.

New teams on board

Additionally, the driver shuffle has a wider scope because Formula 1 is gearing up for a pivotal transformation as two new constructors – Audi and Cadillac – are confirmed to join the grid in 2026, ushering in a fresh competitive era.

This expansion signifies one of the largest shake-ups in F1 in years. Audi’s arrival cements the manufacturer's investment under new hybrid and sustainable engine rules.  

They'll transform the existing Sauber operation, building engines in Germany while race operations remain in Switzerland, now rebranded as the Revolut Audi F1 Team. Audi has also secured a substantial strategic deal with fintech firm Revolut as title partner, aiming to innovate fan engagement from race weekends onward.

Cadillac brings US legacy to F1

Cadillac, meanwhile, brings a prominent American brand and historical racing legacy via the Andretti connection.

In March this year, the FIA and Formula One Management officially approved the Cadillac Formula 1 Team to join the grid in 2026 as the 11th constructor. Led by GM and TWG Motorsports, Cadillac’s entry stems from the Andretti-initiated project restructured after disputes, which saw Michael Andretti step aside – with his father Mario now an advisor and Graeme Lowdon serving as team principal.

Initially, Cadillac will lease Ferrari power units and gearboxes, while aggressively developing its own powertrain, expected to debut by 2029.

But Cadillac is not only shaking up the garage, it’s also preparing its living quarters with rumours that it is reportedly closing in on its driver lineup, naming two highly experienced racers – Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas – for its debut season

Exciting expansion of the F1 party

The arrival of these new teams means two more stables will be vying for available talent, potentially creating new opportunities for drivers currently without confirmed seats or those looking for a change. It also signifies an expansion of the F1 party, bringing new engineering philosophies, brand presence, and competitive dynamics to the grid. 

The confluence of numerous open driver seats and the introduction of a major new manufacturer like Audi guarantees that the lead-up to the 2026 season will be filled with speculation, negotiation, and anticipation for a new era in the sport.