Prepare yourself, Formula 1 fans, because after 2025, the sport we love is going to look radically different. Get ready to say goodbye to some familiar faces, groundbreaking technologies, and even the very structure of the grid as we know it. Some of these changes will be welcomed with open arms, while others... well, let's just say they're sparking some serious debate.
So, buckle up as we explore the major farewells awaiting us as the curtain closes on the 2025 Formula 1 season.
1. Adieu, Sauber!
The Sauber name has been a constant presence in Formula 1 for decades, morphing through various identities – Sauber, BMW-Sauber, Alfa Romeo-Sauber, and simply Alfa Romeo. But after 2025, this chapter officially closes.
This isn't just another rebranding exercise; it's a complete takeover by Audi, who are establishing their own full-fledged works team for the 2026 season. Founder Peter Sauber himself was present at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a poignant farewell to the team he painstakingly built from the ground up, entering the F1 arena way back in 1993. That's a staggering 510 Grand Prix starts! So, a heartfelt thank you for the memories, Sauber. Now, all eyes are on Audi and what they can bring to the pinnacle of motorsport.
2. Renault's Power Unit: The End of an Era
Another iconic name deeply embedded in Formula 1 history, Renault, is retiring its engine program after 2025. This is a significant moment, marking the end of a long and storied involvement in engine supply.
Initially, Renault was slated to be one of six engine manufacturers for the 2026 season. But here's where it gets controversial... they abruptly pulled the plug on their project, opting instead to turn Alpine into a Mercedes customer team for 2026. This decision raised eyebrows and sparked questions about Renault's long-term commitment to F1.
Remember those glorious back-to-back Constructors' Championships in 2005 and 2006, with Fernando Alonso clinching the Drivers' title in both years? Those victories were powered by Renault. And let's not forget their engine partnerships that led to a combined total of 12 Constructors' and 11 Drivers' titles!
While Alpine's underwhelming 2025 season – finishing at the very bottom of the standings – wasn't the send-off Renault power deserved, their undeniable achievements in the sport will forever be etched in Formula 1 history.
3. Yuki Tsunoda's Red Bull Dream: Fading Away?
Yuki Tsunoda, after much anticipation, finally received his chance at Red Bull Racing – a move many believed he had earned. But, and this is the part most people miss... he failed to capitalize on the opportunity when it arrived.
A mere 33 points and a 17th-place finish in the Drivers' Championship simply wasn't enough, especially when teammate Max Verstappen narrowly missed out on a fifth consecutive World Championship.
As a result, Tsunoda is relegated to Red Bull's reserve and test driver for 2026, leaving his future in Formula 1 uncertain. Can he follow in the footsteps of drivers like Alex Albon and Sergio Perez, who clawed their way back onto the grid? Only time will tell.
4. DRS: Farewell to the Flap
Love it or hate it – the Drag Reduction System (DRS) has always been a divisive topic in Formula 1, ever since its introduction as an overtaking aid in 2011. It's been praised for injecting excitement into races, but also criticized for creating artificial overtakes.
But, the final DRS flap opened in Abu Dhabi in 2025.
Beefed-up batteries and an 'Overtake Mode' will replace DRS, providing drivers with a temporary electrical power boost. It remains to be seen how this alternative will be received by drivers, teams, and fans. Will it prove to be a worthy successor, or will the absence of DRS leave a void in the overtaking spectacle?
5. The First Generation of Hybrid Engines: A Fond Farewell
Formula 1 revolutionized the sport in 2014 by moving away from naturally-aspirated engines and introducing the most complex hybrid 'power units' ever conceived. These engines were marvels of engineering, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of power and efficiency.
In 2026, the next generation of hybrids will arrive, featuring a 50/50 split between electrical and biofuel power. Manufacturers will be governed by an engine cost cap, and the Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H) element will be scrapped to reduce costs and complexity.
6. The End of the Engine Development Freeze
We also bid adieu to the engine development freeze, which has been in effect since 2022. This freeze was implemented to level the playing field and prevent manufacturers from engaging in costly development wars.
With the dawn of the 2026 regulations, the engine development battle will be reignited, with manufacturers free to innovate and push the boundaries of engine technology once again.
7. Goodbye, Ground Effect Cars (Well, Mostly)
It's not just the engines that are getting a makeover for F1 2026. The cars themselves are undergoing significant changes.
The 2026 regulations will see a marked scaling back of the ground effect aerodynamic concept, which characterized the 2022-2025 era of F1 cars. These cars, with their distinctive sidepods and reliance on underfloor aerodynamics, have proven to be challenging to drive and have sometimes produced unpredictable racing.
Lewis Hamilton has made it clear that there is "nothing" he will miss about these cars, while Carlos Sainz echoed his sentiments. Nico Hulkenberg, on the other hand, adopted a more neutral stance.
The move to smaller, lighter cars in F1 2026 appears to be widely welcomed, but the true test will be whether these changes lead to more exciting and competitive racing.
8. The 10-Team Grid: Expanding the Ranks
2025 marked the final year of a Formula 1 grid featuring 10 teams.
Next year, Cadillac F1 makes its highly anticipated debut, with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez at the wheel, as they make their respective returns to the sport. This expansion is expected to bring new energy and competition to the grid.
Initially, Cadillac will use the Ferrari power unit, before transitioning to a General Motors works engine in the future. This strategic partnership underscores Cadillac's commitment to long-term success in Formula 1.
9. Barcelona's Loss, Madrid's Gain: A Change of Scenery
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya remains on the F1 2026 calendar. But, it will no longer host the Spanish Grand Prix.
For 2026, the brand-new Madrid street circuit will take over as the home of the Spanish Grand Prix, meaning the 2025 race was the final one at the iconic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. However, F1 racing will continue in Barcelona, with the – you guessed it – Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
10. Hamilton's Podiums Streak: The End of an Era
Going into 2025, Lewis Hamilton had achieved an incredible feat: scoring at least one podium finish in every Formula 1 season he had contested. This remarkable consistency was a testament to his skill, determination, and the competitiveness of his machinery.
However, 2025 marked the end of this streak, as Hamilton recorded his first podium-less season after a disastrous first year with Ferrari. This disappointing result undoubtedly fueled his desire to bounce back stronger than ever.
F1 2026 will be a critical year in the iconic F1 story and career of Lewis Hamilton. Can he rediscover his winning form and challenge for championships once again? Or will the challenges of the new regulations prove too difficult to overcome?
So, there you have it – a glimpse into the future of Formula 1 and the major changes awaiting us after 2025. What are your thoughts on these changes? Are you excited about the new regulations, or do you fear that they will detract from the sport's essence? Which farewell will you miss the most? Let us know in the comments below!
