Which team can dethrone McLaren in 2026?
Summary
McLaren enters 2026 as two‑year Constructors champion, but the regulation reset could open the door for challengers. Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari and others each have a path to end the Scots’ dominance.
McLaren enters 2026 riding the wave of back‑to‑back Constructors titles, but the sweeping regulation overhaul could shake up the hierarchy. History shows dominance rarely survives an unchanged rule set, and several rivals are positioning themselves to take the lead.
Why it matters:
- Championship balance – McLaren’s two‑year reign set a new performance bar.
- Regulation reset – 2026 aero and power‑unit changes level advantages, putting engineering agility at the forefront.
The details:
- Mercedes – 2025 runner‑up; its power‑unit expertise should translate well to the 2026 rules.
- Red Bull – Still race winners; 2026 shift to Red Bull Powertrains/Ford is uncertain but could revive its edge.
- Ferrari – Vast resources and driver line‑up; after a weak 2025 the team is channeling everything into 2026.
- Williams – Strong technical leadership and Mercedes power; a steady climb could turn it into a surprise challenger.
- Other teams – Aston Martin, Haas, Audi (Stake), Alpine and Cadillac lack the scale for a title push but aim for midfield stability.
What's next:
- 2026 testing – Early aero and power‑unit data will show which concepts work on track.
- Red Bull Powertrains rollout – Its performance will be a key factor in the fight for the lead.
Original Article :https://racingnews365.com/which-f1-team-is-best-placed-to-end-mclaren-dominance-...