Overview

• F1’s 2026 overhaul introduces revised power units with a 50-50 split between electrical output and the internal combustion engine plus new, driver-adjustable aero modes.
• Team bosses including Aston Martin’s Andy Cowell and Williams’ James Vowles say passing could increase or occur in different parts of laps as drivers manage energy more actively.
• Alpine’s Steve Nielsen expects cars to be no faster on straights than in 2025 and slower in corners, producing lower overall lap times.
• Max Verstappen predicts Mercedes will be at the front on the engine side under the new rules and says Red Bull’s first in-house Ford-linked power unit is a significant new risk.
• The FIA is assessing ways to keep speeds in check after Toto Wolff suggested 400 km/h could be possible, with Verstappen indicating officials are looking at measures to prevent excessive top speeds.