Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has sought to alleviate the key concern over the 2026 regulations reset of performance disparity.
Next year the regulations will see the technical make-up of F1 cars overhauled.
With a new set of rules, it’s natural that the F1 pecking order spreads out as some teams fare nail initial interpretations of the regulations while others don’t.
This will be seen as a shame given F1 is coming off the back of one of its most competitive seasons after seven drivers won multiple races for the first time in the sport’s history.
Moreover, four separate manufacturers won races in 2024 and amid fears next year won’t see that close competitiveness, Domenicali told Autosprint: “When there is a new regulation it is always like that.
“I don’t forget that when the 2022 regulations were introduced, the teams complained that the single-seaters would be six seconds slower,” he added.
“We arrived in four years at a very strong convergence.
“Now we start again with a different regulation, with a lot of new challenges and different things to fine-tune.
“At the beginning we won’t have this kind of gap, it would be unrealistic to think that. But the way the F1 2026 regulation is designed, the convergence will come.”
F1 2026 regulations embrace ‘the whole picture’
The 2026 F1 regulations will see movable aerodynamics front and rear on shorter, narrower and lighter cars compared to their current counterparts.
Power unit regulations have also been revamped.
While the 1.6-litre turbo V6 internal combustion engine (ICE) is retained, it will now run on 100% sustainable fuel and there will be a greater reliance on the electoral component of the F1 powertrains.
In 2026, the hybrid power units will have a 50/50 power split between ICE and electric.
As Domenicali said, a spread in the F1 pecking order is expected in 2026, as was seen during the 2014 rules reset when Mercedes ushered in an era of domination.
In 2022, also, upon the advent of the ground effect rule cycle, Red Bull dominated over the field, before being caught last season.
This is why Domenicali exclaimed “I am not worried,” about the new regulations, knowing full well the field will tighten up as the years go by.
“There are many issues that will develop.
“It is normal that, from the point of view of the teams, there is a conservative approach.
“Several new constructors are coming in, favoured by these technological changes that serve to keep the evolutionary and positive tension of those who see our formula as a development platform for the future.
“We need to look at the whole picture and not the detail. We need to think big.”
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