Formula 1 Team Bosses Express Concerns Over 2026 Technical Regulations
Several Formula 1 team bosses have voiced their concerns regarding the draft 2026 technical regulations, stating that the current proposal may not deliver the outlined ambitions of the sport. The FIA has released an initial proposal for the next rules overhaul, aiming to introduce lighter, smaller cars to improve the overall racing spectacle. However, team bosses believe that changes are required to achieve the desired objectives.
The 2026 machines are set to target a 30kg weight reduction to 768kg, while the width will be cut from 2000mm to 1900mm and the wheelbase will drop 200mm to 3400mm. Additionally, the FIA has revealed that active aero will be used, with a new ‘Manual Override Mode’ replacing the Drag Reduction System (DRS) as an overtaking assist.
Concerns Raised by Team Bosses
“We are in agreement and we support the intent and the objectives at eye level that were stated in the press release. However, if we look at the regulations in the draft form that has been circulated, they are still far from being able to achieve those agreeable objectives and intent.”
– Andrea Stella, McLaren boss
Stella argues that the increased electrical output from the new power units would put too much strain on the aero and chassis to compensate. “I think the main gaps are in Article 3, which is the aerodynamic regulations,” he explained. “And the second one is I still think that the way in which the power units are planned to be used needs to be adjusted.”
The active aero will comprise two states: a ‘Z-mode’ that generates more downforce in the corners and an ‘X-mode’ which will increase top-end speed on the straights. However, Stella has cautioned that the 2026 cars run under the FIA’s current arrangement would be too quick down the straights while also being too slow in the turns. “The cars are not fast enough in the corners and too fast in the straights,” he added. “So these two aspects need to be rebalanced.”
Williams team boss James Vowles concurred with Fernando Alonso that the complex power units will make it hard to reach the planned weight reduction. “I think the bit I would add to it is there’s probably two different carves out of concerns at the moment,” Vowles began. “First and foremost, there’s the aerodynamic side, so what we’re doing with either freedom or physically how fast the cars will be. And then the second side of it is where we are on weight.”
Vowles echoed Stella’s concerns, stating that the weight target will be incredibly difficult to achieve. “I don’t think anyone will hit that weight target particularly,” he said. “It’s going to be incredibly difficult, and I think that needs reviewing because there’s someone that spends their life going through marginal gains taking weight out of a car.”
Call for Constructive Discussions
Aston Martin’s Mike Krack concurred that tweaks must be made before the rules are ratified, but stressed that those discussions should occur behind closed doors. “I think we are quite far away still from the final one, and I think it’s now up to all stakeholders to discuss, to work on possible issues constructively rather than using the media to try and put something forward,” he urged.
As the Formula 1 community continues to work towards implementing the 2026 technical regulations, it is clear that there are still many aspects that need to be addressed. With the FIA, F1, and the teams working together, it is hoped that a solution can be found that will allow the sport to meet its objectives and deliver an improved racing spectacle.
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