Audi Formula 1 chief Mattia Binotto has claimed that the sport’s current crop of drivers are “starting to enjoy” the challenge of adapting to the radical rules reset for 2026.
Next year sees F1 enter a new era with a brand new set of technical regulations that are perhaps the most intriguing in its history.
The German marque‘s electrification bent is catered for with the V6 hybrids now completely equal between combustion and electric power.
Along with new tyres, smaller cars and the outlawing of DRS, there is also a change in aerodynamics, reducing the ground effect.
Drivers were initially sceptical of the 2026 car through early simulator runs, with Charles Leclerc claiming he was “not a fan” of what he had experienced.
But Binotto, speaking at the launch of Audi’s 2026 livery, believes that minds are being changed, and stated that the German squad’s backroom staff are enthusiastic about it too.
“It’s the biggest change in 30 years at least,” Binotto told the assembled gathering. “It’s a big change. Honestly, I believe it’s a great challenge.
“I think all technicians at the moment are enjoying a change of regulations. I think even drivers, initially, we may have heard some criticism.
“But overall, what I can see from drivers’ comments, they are starting to enjoy, they are enjoying [the new cars].”
Binotto confident of a ‘good show’ as Audi prepares for F1 bow
Teams will be afforded rule breaks if they are found to have a three percent power disadvantage over their rivals, in a bid to ensure that performance gaps similar to what was seen in 2014 – when the V6 hybrid era began – will not happen again.
Audi will be hoping no such leeway will be needed, and few surely would bet against it, given its successful past with electric-based racing, having been winners in Formula E and the Dakar Rally, the latter won with a hybrid car.
Binotto appears unfazed by the prospect of this possibility, trusting the FIA’s promise to allow these rule breaks and the likelihood of teams quickly rectifying such stumbling blocks.
“I’m sure it will be, at the end, a good show,” the former Ferrari supremo said.
“The changes have been done so that first, we are relevant from the road car [side] with fully sustainable fuels. A challenge as well for fuel suppliers.
“But overall, the show will improve because we believe that the racing will be improved through the new regulations. So, we may need some patience at the start because big changes may bring discontinuity, may bring gaps between teams. But certainly, there will be a very quick catch-up from all the teams.
“And I’m expecting some rules may be adapted if required. That’s part of the normal process. In every year, in every season, FIA has always adapted to needs.
“That may happen again. But overall, it will be a great regulation [set].”
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