Overview
- Shovlin cautions rivals that hidden pitfalls in the 2026 regulations could catch teams out despite extensive simulator work.
- He notes teams will only truly understand car behavior once on-track running begins under the new formula.
- The power unit concept shifts to roughly a 50–50 electrical–combustion split with active aerodynamics and a manual override button adding tactical options.
- Limited battery energy and greater harvesting needs are expected to reshape racecraft, with multi-phase overtakes likely across a lap.
- Mercedes concedes it fell short at the start of the 2022 cycle, says its aero tools have advanced, and is prioritizing 2026 over late 2025 development gains.