As night settles over Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, the 2025 Formula 1 season officially comes to a close, marking the 75th year in the world’s premier racing series for single-seater, open-wheel formula racing cars. An F1 season consists of a series of races, or Grand Prix, hosted by countries across the globe. Throughout this season, ten constructors, or teams, and 20 drivers competed for the World Drivers’ Championship (WDC) and the World Constructors’ Championship (WCC).
On December 7, 2025, at the last race of the season, McLaren driver Lando Norris won his first WDC title with a total of 423 points. In October, his team also secured their tenth WCC title, capping a standout year for McLaren. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, came third in the overall standings. Both drivers secured seven Grand Prix wins this year, with Piastri leading the early races and Norris making a comeback later into the season. The reigning title holder for the past four years, Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen, placed second overall–only two points behind Norris.
In the WCC, Mercedes ranked second, followed by Red Bull Racing. Mercedes ended the season with George Russell in fourth place and rookie Kimi Antonelli in seventh. This year was surely a disappointing one for Ferrari, who placed fourth in the WCC. The record holder for the most WDCs won in F1 history, Lewis Hamilton, had a challenging first season at Ferrari after departing Mercedes last year. However, this season also delivered plenty of surprises: Nico Hülkenberg claimed his long-awaited podium at his 239th Grand Prix; Antonelli secured three podiums as a rookie; and standout performances from the other newcomers Ollie Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar.
Looking into the 2026 season, there will be many major changes, the most significant being the implementation of new aerodynamic regulations and power unit rules. First, the V6 engines that have been driving F1 cars since 2014 will be replaced by a hybrid power unit that uses 100 percent sustainable power. Moreover, the Drag Reduction System (DRS) will be replaced by active aerodynamics, allowing drivers to activate low-drag mode anywhere on the strait without the need to be in proximity to other cars.
The new rules are also drawing in new teams and engine suppliers. Audi, having bought out Sauber, will join as a new team along with Cadillac, raising the number of constructors to 11. Sauber’s current drivers Hülkenberg and Bortoleto will be debuting for Audi. Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will both be returning to the championship to drive for Cadillac. Unfortunately, Red Bull Racing driver Yuki Tsunoda will no longer be a part of the grid in this upcoming season, but will remain at his former team as a reserve driver. His seat will be replaced by the 2025 rookie Hadjar, who previously drove for Racing Bulls, the developmental team for Red Bull Racing. The 2026 season will also welcome Arvid Lindblad, the youngest winner in F2 history.
With new rules, new teams and new opportunities, the 2026 F1 season will certainly be one to look forward to.