Rwanda is set to host Formula 1 from early 2030s, bringing together the world’s biggest carmakers and some of motorsport’s leading drivers into the spotlight for local fans. The championship features manufacturers such as Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Aston Martin, alongside American brands Ford and Cadillac and Japanese companies Honda and Toyota. They participate through racing teams, engine supplies or technical partnerships. Times Sport takes a look at the major carmakers involved in Formula 1 and the teams and drivers that represent them. Ferrari Ferrari is the only team to have competed in every Formula 1 World Championship season since 1950. The Italian manufacturer builds its own cars and engines and also supplies power units to Haas and Cadillac in 2026. Its drivers are seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Formula 1 remains central to Ferrari’s identity as a performance-car manufacturer. Mercedes-Benz Mercedes operates a factory team and supplies engines to McLaren, Williams and Alpine in 2026. It won eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2021. Its current drivers are George Russell and Italian youngster Kimi Antonelli. The team also uses Formula 1 to develop and showcase performance and hybrid technologies. McLaren The British team is one of Formula 1’s most successful names. It uses Mercedes engines rather than producing its own power units. McLaren’s drivers are Lando Norris, the 2025 world champion, and Oscar Piastri. The pair have helped establish the team among the championship’s leading contenders. Audi Audi entered Formula 1 as a factory team in 2026 after taking over Sauber. The German manufacturer developed its own power unit for the championship’s new technical regulations. Some of its leading drivers are Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. Audi’s arrival marks a major expansion of its motorsport programme and provides a platform to demonstrate its engineering and hybrid technology. Aston Martin and Honda Aston Martin returned as a constructor in 2021 and has invested heavily in facilities and personnel to challenge the leading teams. For 2026, it has a works power-unit partnership with Honda. The Japanese manufacturer, which has a long history of supplying championship-winning engines, does not operate a separate team. Aston Martin’s drivers are two-time world champion Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. The partnership gives Honda another opportunity to showcase its hybrid-engineering expertise. Cadillac and General Motors Cadillac joined Formula 1 in 2026 as the 11th team, bringing General Motors into the championship. It initially uses Ferrari power units while developing its own engine for a planned 2029 introduction. The American team signed experienced drivers Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas, both former Grand Prix winners. Its entry gives General Motors a global platform to demonstrate its engineering capabilities. Alpine and Renault Alpine represents Renault Group in Formula 1. The team adopted the Alpine name in 2021 to promote Renault’s sports-car brand. Although Renault previously developed its own engines, Alpine switched to Mercedes power units in 2026. Its drivers are Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto. Ford and Red Bull Ford returned to Formula 1 in 2026 through a technical partnership with Red Bull Powertrains. The collaboration covers areas including battery technology, electric motors and power electronics. The partnership supports Red Bull Racing and sister team Racing Bulls. Max Verstappen leads Red Bull Racing alongside Isack Hadjar, while Racing Bulls fields Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad. Ford does not operate its own team but plays a role in developing the power units used by both squads. Toyota and Haas Toyota renewed its Formula 1 involvement through a technical partnership between Toyota Gazoo Racing and Haas. The Japanese manufacturer previously ran its own team from 2002 to 2009 but left without winning a Grand Prix. Its current role focuses on engineering cooperation and driver development rather than running a team or supplying its own engine.
