The 2026 Formula 1 season promises dramatic changes with new rules, fresh challenges and unexpected winners emerging from the chaos ahead.
The upcoming 2026 regulations are already stirring plenty of anxiety in the paddock. Concerns grew so intense that there were even serious discussions about scrapping the new V6 engines that will rely heavily on electric power before the idea was ultimately dismissed.
Even though the new engines are set to stay at least until 2029, there is a real sense of nervousness about the show on track. Will the racing stay exciting? Or will one manufacturer, like Mercedes for example, dominate and leave the competition behind?
“I am not a fortune teller,” joked Frédéric Vasseur when asked about it.
“I cannot tell you if the races will be close nine months from now. We don’t even know what will happen at the next Grand Prix. What is certain is that we are facing what is probably the biggest regulatory shift Formula 1 has seen in the last 25 years. Huge changes are coming for the engines, the chassis and even the sporting rules.”
How is Ferrari preparing for such a massive overhaul? The Scuderia has a rare opportunity to surprise everyone and become the leading engine supplier under the new rules.
“This means that as a team, we have to consider every aspect today and each team is taking its own direction. I am sure not everyone is heading down the same path and we will only know in 2026 which choices were right. I cannot promise the racing will be closer than it is today. However, if you look at recent years, performance levels have gradually converged. Today, from first to sixteenth on the grid, there is only a gap of six or seven tenths of a second.”
“We can expect bigger gaps next year. That is part of the DNA of Formula 1. Teams improve, develop and fight back. We cannot complain about that. Let’s stay focused on this season for now.”
Andy Cowell, now CEO of Aston Martin F1, knows a thing or two about change. He led Mercedes’ engine program during the hybrid revolution and is now a major asset for Aston Martin.
With his deep experience, how does Cowell view the 2026 regulations? Is he excited? Is he hoping to repeat the success he had with Mercedes, this time with Honda?
“Yes, I think 2026 is incredibly exciting for everyone. We will have advanced sustainable fuels, a 350 kW electric boost working alongside the combustion engine, new tire technology, brand new aerodynamics and reduced drag on the straights. There are so many thrilling elements coming. Fred is right. There will be bigger gaps and there will be surprises, some good, some bad. But that is what keeps Formula 1 exciting.”
“If the rules never changed, yes the cars would be very close together, but bringing in new technologies and welcoming new players like Audi is even better. I recently visited Honda’s factory and their work on battery technology is not just for racing, it is highly relevant for road cars too. Other manufacturers see it the same way. These new rules are attracting big names to Formula 1 and pushing innovation both on and off the track.”
“It is going to be an incredible journey. There will be a lot to watch, a lot to discuss and a lot to write about.”
Peter Bayer, CEO of Racing Bulls, is facing a tough situation. As a customer team of Red Bull Powertrains, they have no choice but to use their engines. Unfortunately, the Red Bull Powertrains and Ford project is rumored to be behind schedule.
“There is not much more I can add. Maybe just this. If you look back at the last big regulation change, there were many fears and a lot of speculation. But in the end, the teams, Formula 1 and the FIA worked together and made it a huge success. That is our duty to the fans. I am looking forward to it.”
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