Browsing: 2026 Regulations

Top Formula 1 team principals shared their thoughts on the proposed rookie sprint race, Kimi’s performance, and the 2026 regulations during a press conference at the Italian Grand Prix. Toto Wolff, Frédéric Vasseur, and Andreas Seidl expressed support for the sprint race plan and discussed the sport’s future developments.

Esteban Ocon’s impending departure from Alpine has sparked speculation about his 2025 Formula 1 plans. The French driver is open to joining a non-works team, prioritizing a supportive environment and on-track competitiveness over manufacturer affiliations. With the 2026 regulation changes looming, the landscape of Formula 1 is set to shift, making Ocon’s negotiations a captivating storyline to follow.

Alpine’s Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has made a bold claim, stating that the team will win races when the new technical regulations take effect in 2026. This comes as the Enstone-based squad has announced a series of key hires from rival teams, including Ferrari and Red Bull. Briatore, who previously led the team to titles under the Benetton and Renault guises, is confident that the revised 2026 regulations will provide opportunities for Alpine to excel.

Carlos Sainz has joined the chorus of critics against the FIA’s proposed 2026 Formula 1 regulations, accusing the governing body of ‘over-complicating’ the new ruleset. The Ferrari driver expressed concerns about the 50/50 power split hybrid power unit and the accompanying aerodynamic changes, suggesting the regulations may be too restrictive and lead to a spread-out field.

Alpine is evaluating a significant change for its Formula 1 project, with the team potentially ditching its works Renault engine in favor of a customer deal from 2026. This drastic measure is on the table as the current Renault power unit’s underperformance and uncertainty about the next-generation turbo hybrids have led to questions about the necessity of investing heavily in producing their own engine.

Renowned Formula 1 design expert Adrian Newey has expressed concerns that the 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations were heavily influenced by ‘one or two manufacturers’, potentially compromising the overall quality of the rules. As the sport prepares for a significant reset, Newey’s comments raise important questions about balancing the needs of teams, fans, and new manufacturers.

As the Formula 1 calendar for 2026 takes shape, the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council is poised to approve new regulations, despite knowing that these rules will likely undergo significant changes before their implementation. This unusual situation has left the Formula 1 community buzzing, with insiders suggesting that the final version of the 2026 regulations will bear little resemblance to the ones being ratified.

The FIA is exploring ways to make the 2026 Formula 1 cars faster, including revisiting fuel flow limitations on the engines. While some manufacturers are open to tweaks, others warn it may be too late to make significant changes given the advanced development stage. The FIA must navigate manufacturer interests to deliver an exciting racing experience for fans.