F1 teams must decide early in 2025—push for this season’s title or shift resources toward the radical 2026 regulation changes.
Some F1 teams may upgrade their cars only once this year, Ferrari boss Frédéric Vasseur admits.
Anticipation is building for a highly competitive 2025 championship, potentially leading to a development race. However, the looming 2026 revolution, combined with budget caps, means teams must carefully allocate resources across different projects.
Among the cars already unveiled, McLaren’s title-contending MCL39 strongly resembles the 2024 Constructors’ Championship-winning F1 car. Similarly, the Haas F1 VF-25, which leaked online yesterday during its Silverstone shakedown, shares notable design cues.
James Vowles also acknowledges that the new Williams—seen on track at Silverstone in a temporary livery—is “clearly an evolution of last year’s car.”
He openly admits that Williams is heavily focused on the radical 2026 regulations and beyond.
“I’ve made it clear to Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon that 2025 will be tough. We have to make compromises this year. Of course, we don’t want to finish tenth in the championship, but if I have to accept limitations this season to be better positioned for 2026, I will.”
“We are already fully focused on 2026, 2027, and 2028.”
His McLaren counterpart, Andrea Stella, insists, however, that the Woking-based team is committed to emerging from the winter break ready to fight for both titles.
“There will certainly be improvements in the opening races of the new season. At the start, it will feel as if the 2026 regulation changes are not yet on the horizon.”
Vasseur, however, is more pragmatic about how the season is likely to unfold.
“Teams will take stock after the first phase of development, so very early,” the Frenchman stated.
“If you see a chance to win the world championship, you will keep working on the current car. No one willingly gives up a title.”
“But if you’re too far behind, you’ll pull out of 2025 development much earlier and shift fully toward 2026.”
For Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, preparation for all scenarios is essential. The team is also aiming to reclaim both titles before entering a period of uncertainty with its in-house engine in 2026.
“We don’t know what others are doing. But we have a foundation capable of securing both titles. So do McLaren and Ferrari. That’s why we prefer to underestimate them and exceed our own internal targets.”
“And with stable regulations, we can see how the cars have converged. It’s great for the sport to have so much competition.”
“I have a few more grey hairs this year. The season ahead will be a thriller, but I believe we have the best driver in our car, and I believe we also have the best team.”
- Discover More>Lawson: No Wins Yet, But Learning from Verstappen Is Key
- Follow us on >Facebook and >Twitter for F1 updates
F1 Teams Face 2025 vs 2026 Dilemma F1 Teams Face 2025 vs 2026 Dilemma F1 Teams Face 2025 vs 2026 Dilemma
