Williams boss James Vowles has moved to downplay expectations that Mercedes will dominate Formula 1‘s next era of regulations in the same way it did in 2014.
F1 is preparing for sweeping changes in 2026, with cars set to become lighter and smaller, and featuring completely redesigned hybrid power units running on sustainable fuels.
Rumours have circulated that Mercedes could once again set the performance benchmark when the new rules arrive.
Vowles, whose Williams squad is powered by Mercedes engines, believes the competitive gap between manufacturers will be far smaller than in 2014.
“I don’t think this is going to be 2014 levels at all,” he told media including Motorsport Week. “I think it’ll be a lot closer than that — just to alleviate people’s fears.”
FIA safeguards aim to prevent power unit disparity
The Briton, who was with Mercedes at the time, said there are already discussions taking place between teams and the FIA to prevent a huge performance chasm.
“We’re already having open dialogue now at this stage of ‘what if?'” he explained. “What if a power unit manufacturer is ahead or behind – how do we make sure?
“Because we do recognise… We are a sport, but we’re also here for the racing, and… making sure that we are racing each other on a very similar wavelength. So, watch this space.”
Vowles added that the incoming rules represent an unprecedented challenge for all teams.
“This is probably the biggest rule change we’ve ever gone through because of changing power unit and chassis at the same time,” he added.
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