F1 plans 500-hp boost, 11-team grid including Cadillac, Audi

Formula 1’s “new era” is real, but some of the social-media shorthand needs tightening. The core changes for 2026 are official: the FIA has set rules for smaller, lighter cars, a redesigned power unit with a much larger electrical component, and active aerodynamics on the front and rear wings. Formula 1 has also confirmed that Cadillac will join the championship in 2026 as the 11th team, while Audi will arrive as a works team through Sauber. Madrid, meanwhile, is already contracted to join the calendar from 2026 as the host of the Spanish Grand Prix. ### Is Formula 1 actually getting a “500-hp boost”? The FIA’s published 2026 framework does not describe the change as a simple across-the-board “500-horsepower boost.” What it does say is that the new power-unit package shifts Formula 1 toward a much larger electrical contribution, with an evener split between internal-combustion and electric power than under the previous rules. The FIA said in June 2024 that the cars would have “almost 300% more battery power,” while Formula 1 said the new package would feature “increased battery power.” (formula1.com) The most concrete current figure in the official rule refinements is 350 kilowatts of peak “superclip” power, up from 250 kilowatts, under changes agreed on April 20, 2026 after the first three races of the season. The FIA also said race-boost power would be capped at an additional 150 kilowatts in race conditions. Those are official numbers; the “500-hp” line circulating online appears to be a rough simplification rather than the wording used by the FIA or Formula 1. (fia.com) ### Is DRS being replaced? Formula 1 said in its 2026 rules explainer that the cars will use active aerodynamics, with drivers able to switch the front and rear wing elements into a low-drag mode on straights. The FIA said the system is designed around the energy demands of the new power units and described it as moveable front and rear wings. (fia.com) Formula 1 has also changed the language around overtaking assistance. Instead of the current DRS system, the 2026 package uses active aero plus an electrical “Manual Override” or “Overtake Mode” concept that gives a following driver extra battery deployment when close enough to the car ahead. In other words, DRS as fans know it is going away, but it is being replaced by a combination of low-drag aero settings and battery-based overtaking support rather than by active aero alone. (formula1.com) ### Where do Cadillac and Audi fit into the 11-team story? Cadillac is the new entrant that expands the grid. Formula 1 and the FIA said on March 7, 2025 that the General Motors and TWG Motorsports-backed Cadillac Formula 1 Team had been approved to join the existing 10 teams from 2026, making it the championship’s 11th team. The FIA later said Cadillac will use Ferrari power units from 2026 until GM’s own engines are homologated for 2029. (formula1.com) Audi is different. Audi is not an 11th team; it is taking over Sauber’s existing operation as a works team from 2026. Formula 1 said Audi reached an agreement with Sauber in 2022 to make the Swiss team its factory entry, with power units developed in Neuburg and chassis work based in Hinwil. (formula1.com) ### Is Madrid really joining the calendar? Madrid’s place on the schedule is official. Formula 1 announced on January 23, 2024 that the Spanish Grand Prix will move to Madrid from 2026 under a deal running through 2035. The circuit is planned around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition center and is designed as a hybrid venue with street and non-street sections, subject to FIA homologation and final design specification. (formula1.com) Formula 1 said the proposed layout is 5.47 kilometers with 20 corners and an initial capacity above 110,000 fans per day, with plans to rise to 140,000. The 2026 race page for Spain is already live on Formula1.com. ### What is the cleanest way to read the 2026 package? The official documents support four clear points. (formula1.com) First, Formula 1 is moving to lighter, smaller cars with active aerodynamics. Second, the power-unit rules increase the electrical share of performance rather than simply adding one headline horsepower number. Third, Cadillac is the confirmed 11th team, while Audi is a rebranded existing entrant through Sauber. Fourth, Madrid is an official 2026 calendar addition, not just a proposal circulating online. The next concrete markers are already named. Cadillac is due on the grid in 2026, Audi’s works entry starts in 2026, GM’s own power unit is approved from 2029, and Madrid’s contract runs through 2035. (formula1.com 1) (formula1.com 2)