Acquired

What's new in F1 for 2026

March 13, 2026

f1 auto racing sports business motorsport regulations broadcast rights team expansion automotive industry

Episode Summary

AI-generated · Mar 2026

AI-generated summary — may contain inaccuracies. Not a substitute for the full episode or professional advice.

This episode of Acquired immediately outlines the monumental shifts slated for Formula 1 in 2026, marking some of the sport's most substantial transformations in decades. The discussion details new regulations that will necessitate entirely redesigned cars, alongside the expansion to an 11th team, notably spearheaded by Cadillac.

Further compounding these changes, automotive giants Audi and Ford are set to enter the sport. The US broadcast landscape will also see a major overhaul, with Apple TV stepping in as the new broadcast partner. Despite these moves towards a "much more professionalized" sport, the episode highlights that ownership remains with "a bunch of rich guys who love auto racing" – now, critically, "no longer money losing rich guys."

Listeners will gain a succinct, high-level understanding of the critical regulatory, commercial, and competitive developments poised to redefine Formula 1's future, offering insights into how these changes aim to further elevate the sport's global appeal and financial viability.

👤 Who Should Listen

Formula 1 fans
Sports business professionals
Investors in sports and media
Automotive industry executives interested in motorsport branding
Media and broadcast industry observers

🔑 Key Takeaways

1.Formula 1 is set for its most significant regulatory and structural changes in decades beginning in 2026.
2.New regulations will necessitate entirely new car designs across all teams for the 2026 season.
3.The sport will expand to include an 11th team, spearheaded by Cadillac, joining the F1 grid.
4.Automotive manufacturers Audi and Ford are slated to enter Formula 1 in 2026.
5.Apple TV will become the new US broadcast partner for Formula 1, marking a major shift in media distribution.
6.Despite increased professionalization, Formula 1 remains under the ownership of wealthy individuals who, as of 2026, are no longer operating at a loss.