Formula 1 is bracing for its biggest regulatory reset in years, with all-new aerodynamics and a 50/50 hybrid engine formula arriving in 2026. But while some fear the changes could make racing more restrained, Williams team principal James Vowles insists overtaking will not suffer.

The teams have been simulating the 2026 cars for some time, with early Red Bull results leading to Christian Horner describing them as creations of “Frankenstein.” Concerns persist that the upping of the hybrid component from wound 1/6th to a half of the title power output of the new powertrains will lead to strange goings on, like drivers having to shift down a gear to create the extra engird required, where they wold be normally running flat out.

A big power wow took place in Bahrain this season, where the FIA offered the teams the options of retaining the current power units while a better solution was found. Others suggested turning down the electrical component so it has a 60/40 split in favour of the internal combustion engine, but the German manufacturers stood united and resisted either option.

 

 

 

 

 

Drivers complain about 2026 F1 cars

Since then there has been feedback from a number of the drivers on the latest 2026 simulations the teams have now developed with a common response remaining negative. Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon and Lance Stroll were among those who warned that the new generation of cars could turn races into energy management exercises rather than flat-out competition.

The F1 manufacturers are now a most powerful lobby in Formula One, based on the eye watering sums they invest to design and build the highly complex power units. There interest is in no way philanthropic given much of their research and development for their road car power divisions paid for by their F1 projects.

Yet it appears the intransigence in Bahrain, may see the FIA clip the F1 manufacturers wings in the future. A return to a less complex engine forolamua has been proposed for 2029/30 with a return to the visceral V8 engines of yesteryear, running bio fuels and supported by a less complex KERS hybrid style system, first seen in the sport in 2009.

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F1 engine manufacturers lobby

The advantages of this would be that small but highly specialised operations like Cosworth and Gordan Murray Racing would have sufficient resource to design and build the F1 engines of the future, making the sport less reliant on the powerful auto manufacturer lobby.

Yet its not all doom and gloom on the horizon for 2026 as along with the new power units will be radically different chases and aero designs. The much hated DRS is out and will be replaced by a push to pass button which will give the drivers an extra boost of speed, wherever its required around the circuit.

Further the drivers will operate both from and rear wing elements on the new cars, allowing them to deploy more downforce in the corners, but drop drag on the straights. This is allow full access to the extra power of the new engines, whether cornering or hurtling along a straight. However the effect of a driver going full downforce in a corner remains a concern for the car behind which will receive a blast of turbulent air.

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Williams drivers not sure at first

This of course would mean without the cars being able to follow closely, the likelihood of overtaking is diminished. Yet Williams boss now reveals their latest simulation of the 2026 cars and engines admitting in the beginning his drivers struggled with the new cars. He explained that the first runs they did were extremely difficult because it the new cars required a radically altered driving style. The second runs months later still drew complaints from Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon but in recent times the drivers have adapted saying the new style now feels comfortable.

“The first time riding the simulator with the 2026 regulation was difficult, because it radically changed the driving style. The second time there were still complaints, but everything was becoming more normal. From the fourth time onward, there was not much to discuss, it had simply become the norm,” revealed James Vowles.

Despite the loss of the traditional drag reduction system (DRS), Vowles is convinced that the racing spectacle will be preserved. He argued that overtaking will still be possible thanks to how teams can play with energy deployment and different power unit modes, predicting that greater top speed differences on straights will emerge and could even lead to more passing opportunities.

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New consensus, overtaking will be easier

The new rules also give Formula 1 a chance to correct some of the problems introduced in 2022. Most notably, the porpoising effect that left drivers bouncing violently down straights will be eliminated. This was caused by the underfloor Venturi tunnels sucking cars towards the track before airflow stalled, repeating in a cycle that created a painful and unpredictable ride. For 2026, those underfloor tunnels will disappear. Cars will instead use flat undersides combined with a more conventional diffuser to generate downforce in a smoother, more controlled manner.

From Vowles’ perspective, the early discomfort seen in simulator runs was inevitable with such a radical departure from today’s cars. But he believes the human element—drivers adapting their styles—combined with the engineering flexibility of the new rules will ensure overtaking remains a central feature of Formula 1. He acknowledged that the transition has been far from seamless, but was clear that fears of processional racing are misplaced.

Formula 1’s 2026 overhaul comes with risk. The cars will be lighter on raw engine noise and heavier on energy management, which some purists fear could spoil the spectacle. But if Vowles is correct, the mix of hybrid power, active aerodynamics and clever strategy could produce a different kind of racing—less about DRS trains, and more about exploiting energy deployment and slipstream battles.

In the end, the Williams boss is confident that fans won’t be left disappointed. For all the caution and scepticism surrounding the 2026 revolution, he believes Formula 1’s ability to adapt will ensure one thing never changes: cars will still overtake, and the show will go on.

 

 

 

Caterham’s ghost seeks an F1 return

Formula One is never far from its next crisis and for many people keenly awaiting the reality of the huge new regulation coming in 2026, some unexpected tragedies are expected. Last week F1’s CEO Stefano Domencali was reported as saying ‘Don’t judge us on the first race in Melbourne’ which was then supported by the FIA’s latest announcement.

F1’s governing body has been fleshing out over this year a ‘catchup’ mechanism for any team or power unit manufacturer who fails significantly behind the rest of the field. This follows comments from F1 car design wizard, Adrian Newey, who expressed concern in February that we could see a repeat of 2014 when Mercedes delivered an all conquering power unit, which saw the rest take more than half a decade to catch up.

“There has to be a chance that one manufacturer will come out well on top, and it will become a power-unit-dominated regulation, at least to start with. There’s a chance that if it’s on the combustion engine side of it, that somebody comes up with a dominant combustion engine that will last through the length of the formula, because the way the regulations are written, it’s quite difficult for people who are behind to catch up,” said Newey….. READ MORE