Kimi Antonelli’s road to F1 2026: In pictures
With new F1 regulations this year, the Mercedes team has emerged as a favourite after testing, with Kimi Antonelli as one of the two racers who will drive the Silver Arrows in the 2026 season. Recognized for his skills at an early age, Antonelli has risen through the ranks as a long-term Mercedes pr...

With new F1 regulations this year, the Mercedes team has emerged as a favourite after testing, with Kimi Antonelli as one of the two racers who will drive the Silver Arrows in the 2026 season.<br>Recognized for his skills at an early age, Antonelli has risen through the ranks as a long-term Mercedes prospect from the age of 12. From multiple karting championships in Europe to open-wheel ...<a class='more' href='https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/kimi-antonellis-road-to-f1-2026-in-pictures/10799757/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=RSS-F1&utm_term=News&utm_content=www'>Keep reading</a>
Original source
Motorsport.com
Related Regulations
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Full Regulation Text
Article 5.1
Definition of a New PU Manufacturer
Chapter: SECTION C: TECHNICAL REGULATIONS
In Simple Terms
A 'New PU Manufacturer' is a company entering F1 for the first time that hasn't built power units before (2014-2021) and hasn't inherited significant technology from existing manufacturers. If approved by the FIA, they receive special benefits and exemptions for 5 years (from 3 years before entry through 1 year after). The FIA evaluates applicants based on their facilities, engine experience, and ERS system knowledge.
- New PU Manufacturers must meet two conditions: no prior homologation since 2014 AND no significant inherited IP from established manufacturers
- Approved new manufacturers receive a 5-year window of special rights/exemptions (N-3 to N+1 calendar years)
- The FIA has absolute discretion in granting status and evaluates applicants on infrastructure investment, ICE experience, and ERS system expertise
Official FIA Text
A PU Manufacturer intending to supply PUs for the first time in year N, will be considered to be a "New PU Manufacturer" if it (or any related party): a. has not homologated a PU at least once in the period 2014-2021; and b. has not received any significant recent Intellectual Property from a PU Manufacturer who is not a New PU Manufacturer, subject to the conditions outlined in Article 5.2 of this Appendix. (together, for this Article 5 only, the "Necessary Conditions") The "New PU Manufacturer" status will be granted by the FIA, at its absolute discretion, for the complete calendar years from N-3 to N+1. In order to be granted the "New PU Manufacturer" status, the PU Manufacturer in question must, upon the request of the FIA, provide the FIA with all of the detailed information or documents requested by the FIA describing the commercial background and details of the PU Manufacturer's business, the Intellectual Property owned by the PU Manufacturer and the technical relationship between the PU Manufacturer and any other related entity or persons (the "Requested Documentation"). PU Manufacturers granted a "New PU Manufacturer" status are given additional rights or exemptions in certain provisions of the Technical, Sporting and Financial Regulations. In order to assess whether the Necessary Conditions have been satisfied by a PU Manufacturer, the FIA will assess the Requested Documentation provided by the PU Manufacturer with regard to three factors: a. Infrastructure: the necessity for the PU Manufacturer to build facilities, invest significantly in assets, and hire personnel with prior Formula 1 experience; b. ICE status: the prior experience of the PU Manufacturer in Formula 1 Internal Combustion Engines, and potential possession of significant recent Intellectual Property; and c. ERS status: the prior experience of the PU Manufacturer in Formula 1 ERS systems, and potential possession of significant recent Intellectual Property.
Article B8.2.3
Additional Power Unit Units
Chapter: B8
In Simple Terms
In 2026, drivers get one extra Power Unit component for free if their engine manufacturer is brand new to F1 that season. This is a one-time allowance to help new manufacturers get up to speed without penalty concerns.
- New Power Unit manufacturers in 2026 get one additional allocation of each engine component
- This concession only applies to manufacturers in their first year of supplying F1 engines
- The extra unit applies to all Power Unit elements defined in Article B8.2.2
- This is a regulatory allowance, not a penalty relief measure
Official FIA Text
Each driver will be permitted to use an additional unit for each of the Power Unit elements in Article B8.2.2 in the 2026 Championship if the Power Unit is supplied by a PU Manufacturer in its first year of supplying Power Units.
Article C17.1.10
Technical Partner Requirements
Chapter: C17
In Simple Terms
A Technical Partner must be a company connected to the F1 team, can only work with one F1 team at a time, and must be the team's only Technical Partner. The team has to declare this partnership when entering the championship and get approval from the FIA.
- Technical Partner must have a business relationship (Related Party) with the F1 team
- Exclusive arrangement: one Technical Partner can only work with a single F1 team
- Must be the sole Technical Partner - no multiple Technical Partners allowed
- Partnership requires FIA approval and must be declared on the official entry form
Official FIA Text
Technical Partner must be Related Party to F1 Team, can only be Technical Partner to single F1 Team, must be sole Technical Partner, declared on entry form and approved by FIA.
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