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Hill Predicts 2026 F1 Shake-Up as Audi Debuts and Newey Raises Aston Expectations

A sweeping 2026 rules overhaul leaves the competitive order too uncertain to call.

Overview

  • Damon Hill said the new regulations make the 2026 season unpredictable and warned that previous form may not carry over.
  • Audi’s rebranded Sauber operation completed an initial on-track run at Barcelona, with brief filming-day laps observed from a distance.
  • Hill backed Adrian Newey to engineer a potential surprise at Aston Martin, citing his track record of exploiting regulation changes.
  • Newey departed Red Bull in 2024, joined Aston Martin as managing technical partner in 2025, and is set to be team principal in 2026.
  • The 2026 cars introduce lighter chassis, a roughly 50–50 split between engine and battery power, active aerodynamics, sustainable fuels, and a new battery boost for overtaking, with Cadillac joining the grid as an 11th team.