The Formula One world is about to undergo another transition in 2026. We witnessed Mercedes and Red Bull dominate the racing circuit in the past two regulation revamps. The Silver Arrows remained unbeatable during the hybrid, winning eight constructors’ world titles. The team was winning almost everything until the 2021 Ground Effect introduction.
After the ground effect regulations, the paradigm shifted in favor of Red Bull, and the team won consecutive world titles. The year 2023 was a unicorn season for the Milton Keyens-based outfit, winning 21 out of 22 races in a single season. However, till now, in 2024, the competition is evenly poised, with the top four teams competing fiercely. Thus, the 2026 regulatory revamp could yet again bring some radical changes. However, Red Bull and Mercedes chiefs have pointed out an issue with 2026 F1 cars.
Toto Wolff Proposes Adjustments To Boost Speed Of 2026 F1 Cars
The FIA council announced a new generation of lightweight and agile F1 cars. The World Motorsport Council announced the ratified new generation car based on the nimble car concept. Further, teh redesigned power unit uses a combination of internal combustion and electrical power to generate energy. The chassis was resigned to cut down 30kg of weight to add more agility to the F1 project. Moreover, the latest edition of F1 cars would have active aerodynamics for low drag and a Manual Override system. According to FIA Single SeaterTechnicla director Nikolas Tombazis, cars rely more on the driver’s skill than technical developments. Additionally, as a vow to make F1 a sustainable fuel, the vehicles will use 100% sustainable fuel.
While the car feels like a lightweight, rapid racing machine, Mercedes Chief Toto Wolff has some concerns. During an interaction with ORF, Wolff explained the teams require an F1 prospect with less drag on straight and more downforce on the curves. However, when discussing the upcoming generation of F1 cars, Wolff expressed skepticism. His concerns stemmed from the significant time lost in laps, with the cars now being 10 seconds slower. Further, he added a suggestion that could have made the cars faster, but it is already too late. He suggested that reducing the space allocated for batteries could provide more room for combustion. This adjustment would enable the cars to run on sustainable fuels, allowing for greater configuration flexibility.
Horner And Wolff Share Similar Thoughts On The 2026 Regulation Revamp
Usually, Christian Horner and Toto Wolff share contrasting opinions, but the regulation revamp brought the two together. The Red Bull chief also suggested reconsidering the combustion and electrical power ratio.
Moreover, he feels that if the ratio is not reduced, it will hinder racing as aerodynamics and chassis suffer. Thus, it will be interesting to see whether the FIA will consider these suggestions with less than two years to go.
