Last week F1 announced the new regulations that will take effect from the 2026 season, and there were some major changes. They include:
The overarching philosophy is about making the cars more environmentally efficient as part of F1’s wider focus of becoming a more eco-conscious sport.Drivers and teams have long called for arranging the 24-race calendar to be ordered in some sort of geographical flow to prevent teams zigzagging from one side of the world to the other.Max Verstappen could have five titles by the team the new regulations kick in.
Formula 1’s engine’s are going half electric, taking a leaf out of Formula E’s book. Preston believes elite motorsport categories will continue to prioritise electrification and renewable sources, and F1 is taking a leaf out of Formula E’s book. “Lola’s strategy — electrification is going to be part of everything. So Formula E fits well at the top of that. Software is really, really key to that. Very, very key in automotives. So I think that will cross over as well across many areas.
Newey, the genius car designer responsible for 12 constructors’ championships with three different teams, is leaving Red Bull and his landing spot will prove crucial.“Whenever there’s a rule change, it’s how does every person or every team react to that rule change, and do they get it right or wrong?“Wherever Adrian ends up might deal well with regulation change, depending on his contractual requirements. Someone like him, I think will do a good job.
“What happens is, and you can see it all the time when you have a big rule change — your models stop working. “It’s probably true of Adrian. He’s always driven to find the next new thing and he looks at every idea that’s put on the table. He’s hungry, looking for new ideas and interested in every element.”“He’s probably doing the same discussion as everybody, how do you get the total package together? It’s got to be engine, aero, tyres, drivers, resources,” said Preston.