Last Updated on January 20 2026, 7:56 am

Prediction from former world champion: The 2026 season is set to be a real turning point for Formula 1, as the sport will introduce a whole new set of technical regulations. Such changes have historically shaken up the competitive order, and former world champion Damon Hill believes the next one could deliver an outcome that few are currently anticipating.

Speaking on TalkSport, the 1996 champion suggested that the grid should prepare for the unexpected. “I do believe that we could experience a huge surprise,” said the 65-year-old, hinting at a potential power shift at the top of the sport.

Hill’s comments come at a time when teams are engaged in long-term planning, aware that success in 2026 hinges on decisions made well in advance. With aerodynamic concepts, power units, and organisational structures all being rethought, the opportunity for a breakout season is very real.

 

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Aston Martin is tipped as a potential winner of the rule changes

Hill already has one team in mind that could capitalise on the regulatory overhaul: Aston Martin. The Silverstone-based team had a challenging 2025 season, finishing seventh in the Constructors’ Championship after struggling to maintain their previous form, which saw them regularly compete for podium positions.

However, despite these setbacks, Hill believes that Aston Martin could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the 2026 reset. He even drew comparisons with Brawn GP’s fairy-tale 2009 season, when Ross Brawn’s team shocked the paddock by winning both championships with Jenson Button. “They surprised everyone back then because they understood the rules better than the other teams,” Hill recalled, suggesting that history could repeat itself under the right circumstances.

 

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Adrian Newey is seen as the decisive factor

Central to Hill’s optimism is the presence of Adrian Newey, widely regarded as the most influential designer in the history of modern Formula 1. “He’s a master at understanding the rules,” said Hill, praising Newey’s unique ability to interpret regulatory changes and turn them into a competitive advantage.

According to Hill, Newey has already been working on the 2026 project for around 18 months, giving Aston Martin a valuable head start.

‘That’s why I almost expect him to work his magic at Aston Martin,’ Hill added. “It could happen.” Few figures in the sport command such confidence, and Newey’s track record offers plenty of justification for that belief.

 

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A legacy of championships

Newey’s career achievements are unparalleled. Cars designed under his guidance have won 14 Drivers’ World Championships and 12 Constructors’ titles with multiple teams, proving his influence on Formula 1 success is undeniable. His departure from Red Bull in 2024 marked the end of one of the sport’s most dominant technical partnerships.

In 2025, he joined Aston Martin, becoming team principal later that year and taking over from Andy Cowell.

Speaking at the time, Newey acknowledged the significant challenges ahead. “Over the past nine months, I’ve seen great individual talent on our team,” he said.

“I’m excited to take on this additional responsibility as we put ourselves in the best possible position for 2026.”

 

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A clean slate for 2026

Newey has also stressed that Aston Martin faces ‘a completely new situation’ due to the regulatory changes and the planned switch from Mercedes to Honda power units. With so many variables in play, 2026 could redefine Formula 1’s competitive order — and, as Damon Hill predicts, produce an outcome that few see coming.

 

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NEXT ARTICLE – Max Verstappen responds to furious F1 fans: “I haven’t changed; my role has”

Between early 2022 and mid-2024, Max Verstappen produced one of the most dominant performances in the history of Formula 1. During this time, the Red Bull driver won an impressive 41 out of 54 races, achieving a win rate of 75.9%.

These results led to four consecutive world championships and firmly established Verstappen as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Yet for all his success, universal admiration never followed.

 

Dominance breeds contempt

At several circuits around the world, he was booed, sometimes loudly and in large numbers. This reaction seemed paradoxical when viewed against the statistics. Only five drivers in Formula 1 history have won four consecutive world titles. Even Michael Schumacher, the benchmark with five consecutive championships between 2000 and 2004, did not match Verstappen’s winning percentage during his most dominant years.

However, Formula 1 is not usually a sport where success alone guarantees popularity. Dominance often breeds resistance, especially in a championship built on tension, rivalry and uncertainty. Verstappen came to symbolise an era that many fans found predictable: Red Bull was almost untouchable, races were frequently decided early on, and the driver operated on the edge of the regulations while rarely being penalised. For some, this made him the perfect antagonist.

However, that image began to change in the second half of 2024. McLaren emerged as the new benchmark, a trend that became even clearer in 2025. For the first time in years, Verstappen found himself consistently playing catch-up rather than controlling the field. At one point mid-season, he trailed the championship leader by 104 points, an unthinkable margin during Red Bull’s peak dominance.

Further, Red Bull Racing made a strategic choice. While several rivals shifted their attention early to the major regulation changes coming in 2026, Red Bull continued to develop its 2025 car. This decision slowly but surely paid off, enabling Verstappen to close the gap race by race…CONTINUE READING THIS STORY