How many teams are in F1

Formula 1 remains the pinnacle of motorsport—a global phenomenon fueled by innovation, passion, and relentless competition.
At its very heart are the teams: powerhouse organizations that design, build, and race the cutting-edge cars seen on circuits worldwide.
As of 2025, the championship features a carefully curated grid of 10 teams that have delivered decades of success, technological breakthroughs, and fierce rivalry. However, the landscape is poised for a significant transformation with the confirmed entry of an 11th team in 2026.

1. The Current F1 Grid: A Blend of Heritage and Innovation

Today’s F1 grid is a living testament to the sport’s rich legacy and its relentless pursuit of progress. The 10 teams include historic giants such as Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull Racing—names that have become synonymous with championship-winning pedigree—and dynamic challengers like Alpine, Aston Martin (rebranded from Racing Point in 2021), Racing Bulls, Williams, and Haas. Each outfit brings a unique combination of engineering excellence, strategic acumen, and an unwavering drive to win. With each team fielding two drivers, the 2025 season showcases a 20-car lineup that not only embodies tradition but also illustrates F1’s continuous evolution.

2. Off-Track Battles: Innovation, Regulation, and Financial Strategy

Behind the scenes, the competition extends far beyond the race track. F1 teams engage in intense off-track battles characterized by technological innovation and financial strategy. The introduction of the FIA’s cost cap—set at 140.4 million USD in 2025—has compelled teams to optimize every aspect of their design, logistics, and R&D processes. This regulatory framework ensures that the race is not only a contest of raw power but also a strategic and technological duel, where advancements in aerodynamics, engine performance, and data analytics play a decisive role. These improvements often have a ripple effect, contributing innovations to modern road cars and broader consumer technology.

3. The Business of F1: Global Impact and Economic Dynamics

Formula 1 is more than just a sport—it is a global business powerhouse with an expansive commercial footprint. With races held on five continents, the sport commands an audience that, in 2024, was estimated to exceed 1.5 billion viewers. This enormous global following drives multi-billion-dollar sponsorship deals, television rights, and prize money. The digital age has further amplified F1’s commercial landscape, with teams leveraging social media, merchandising, and data-driven marketing strategies to capture new revenue streams and engage with fans around the world.

4. Evolution Through the Ages: Rebranding and Expansion

The journey of F1 teams is one of constant evolution, marked by mergers, technological breakthroughs, and strategic rebranding. While the current grid has remained at 10 teams in recent years, historical shifts—from the era of privateer teams to the current manufacturer-backed powerhouses—reflect the sport’s transformative economic and technological landscape. Historical overviews, such as those found on FlamingTempura, detail the transformative shifts in driver line-ups and team identities over the years.
Notably, the rebranding of the former AlphaTauri to Racing Bulls is a prime example of how teams are reinventing themselves to remain competitive. Furthermore, a landmark development is on the horizon for the 2026 season, with General Motors’ Cadillac receiving final approval to join the grid, expanding it to 11 teams. This addition not only promises to intensify on-track competition but also underscores F1’s growing commercial viability and global appeal.

5. Technological Innovations and Sustainability

Modern Formula 1 is at the forefront of technological advancement and sustainability. Teams are heavily investing in hybrid powertrains, advanced aerodynamics, and cutting-edge data analytics to extract every possible competitive advantage. Simultaneously, the sport’s shift toward sustainable fuels and renewable energy sources aligns F1 with global environmental standards. These technological innovations ensure that while F1 cars can exceed speeds of 200 miles per hour, they also contribute to a greener future—a dual legacy that resonates both on and off the track.

6. Looking Ahead: Challenges and the Future of the Grid

Competing in F1 comes with astronomical costs—from advanced engineering to sophisticated logistical operations. Even well-established teams occasionally face financial pressures that can lead to withdrawals. Yet, the enduring passion for racing and continuous technological advancements ensure the sport evolves each year. The confirmed expansion to an 11-team grid in 2026, spearheaded by Cadillac’s entry, represents not only a new chapter in competition but also a strategic response to F1’s increasing global market. The upcoming changes are set to inspire further innovation and intensify the strategic battles both on and off the track.

To wrap it up

From a steadfast 10-team grid in 2025 to a transformative 11-team lineup in 2026, Formula 1 continues to push the boundaries of innovation, competition, and commercial success. Legendary teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull Racing, along with historic names such as Alpine, Aston Martin, Racing Bulls, Haas, Williams, and Sauber (soon to be rebranded as Audi), collectively form the heartbeat of F1. The forthcoming addition of GM/Cadillac is set to enhance the competitive spirit of the championship, ensuring that F1 remains as dynamic and engaging as ever for its global audience. As the sport evolves—driven by technological innovation, strict regulatory environments, and a relentless quest for performance—its ability to captivate millions around the world remains undiminished.