Nico Hulkenberg has warned against “assumptions” that have been made about 2026’s Formula 1 cars, with the intriguing new-look season fast approaching.
2026 sees the introduction of a vast array of radical new technical regulations that will change the way F1 cars will look, behave and be driven.
With 50-50 ICE-electric power split, the outlawing of DRS and revisions to tyres and aerodynamics, F1 will have, in many ways, a completely different feel to that of the last 12 years of the current hybrid and ground effect eras.
Many drivers have been outspoken in their scepticism having completed early simulator runs, with the FIA having also been quick state that is in full cooperations with the drivers and teams to quell the teething problems felt so far.
Hulkenberg, who will race for the brand-new Audi team next year, has acknowledged that there is still a lot to do between now and the opening round in Melbourne in March, and appeared keen to play down the more negative judgements that have been made so far.
“We’ve only just started, still early days,” Hulkenberg said. “We’ve had a first taste, first touch with it. So yeah, work in progress.”
“Look, for me, it is a bit different, but it’s still a race car at the end of the day, achieved in slightly different ways.
“But also, I think it’s too early to take this as the real reference. I think what we have there now is not going to be the real thing come March. So, yeah, I don’t know.
“I think we still need to wait and be a bit careful with too early assumptions or statements about that.”
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