As Formula 1 prepares for a major technical transformation in 2026, four-time world champion Max Verstappen has emphasized that improving race dynamics requires more than changes to power units or aerodynamics; he advocates for smaller, lighter cars. Verstappen argues this approach could enhance wheel-to-wheel action and improve overtaking, which remains a concern under the new regulations.
The FIA has announced that starting in 2026, cars will run on a hybrid powertrain equally balanced between internal combustion and electric power, fueled entirely by sustainable sources. These changes include removing the MGU-H component, increasing electrical deployment to 350kW, and reducing car weight by approximately 30 kilograms. Traditional DRS will be replaced with movable front and rear wings, coupled with a “push-to-pass” battery boost system.
Technical Changes and Manufacturer Commitments to Sustainable Powertrains
The updated rules aim to attract new manufacturers while creating a more affordable and environmentally sustainable framework. Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, Honda, Audi, and Red Bull Powertrains have already committed to this direction. However, questions remain about how these technical shifts will affect the excitement and unpredictability of on-track racing.
Verstappen’s Perspective on Engine Size and Vehicle Dimensions
Verstappen has expressed concerns that although the cars will get lighter, the engines’ size remains a limiting factor. He explained that the current engines are large and require extensive cooling, which contributes to the cars’ overall length and bulk. Referencing earlier eras of F1, he said smaller cars like those from the 2010 period or before may benefit racing by allowing closer competition.
“What is most important is lighter cars, smaller cars. But you can only really do that if you change the engine regulations. At the moment, the engines are super efficient, but they are also quite big. That makes the car longer, you need more cooling, so the car becomes quite big. I think if we can get a similar type of car like they were in the 2010 era, or even before, that would be nice, because I think it will help the racing.”
—Max Verstappen, Four-time Formula 1 World Champion
The period Verstappen refers to featured naturally aspirated V10 and later V8 engines, producing shorter, lighter cars with a distinctive sound. This era also saw more competitive diversity, with seven different world champions in the 1990s and six in the 2000s. Currently, dominance has narrowed primarily to Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, with Nico Rosberg’s 2016 title as the sole recent exception.
F1 regulators hope that the 2026 changes will reduce processional racing and inject unpredictability back into competition, but skepticism remains among some industry figures.
Concerns Raised Over Technical Complexity and Impact on Racing Spirit
Former Red Bull champion Sebastian Vettel has cautioned against allowing technical regulations to damage Formula 1’s core appeal. For Verstappen, the hesitation centers on the practical implications of heavy cars limiting overtaking opportunities unless engines are downsized. This stance highlights a broader debate about whether the 2026 regulations can balance sustainability goals with the sport’s traditional excitement.
Uncertainty Surrounding Red Bull’s New Engine Development for 2026
Alongside car design discussions, Red Bull will face a significant challenge in 2026 with the launch of its newly developed power units under Red Bull Powertrains. This marks their first attempt at building engines in-house, with support from Ford and use of 100% sustainable fuels. The new engines will triple their electrical power capacity compared to current units, a key feature of the upcoming hybrid systems.
“It’s a big question mark. Honestly, I think there are not many people that can say right now, ‘yes, we are going to be really, really good.’ You don’t have any guarantees. I know it’s a big challenge what we are doing, with also bringing our own engine, but it’s also quite an exciting challenge. It also gives us the best opportunity of being competitive instead of being dependent on another car manufacturer,”
—Max Verstappen, Four-time Formula 1 World Champion
Since 2019, Red Bull has relied on Honda power units, with previous partnerships involving Renault, Ferrari, and Cosworth. The move to independence increases pressure on the integration between engine and chassis, especially given the complexity of the new technical regulations.
Testing and Early Races Will Reveal Competitiveness Under New Rules
The initial races of 2026 will be crucial to understanding how teams manage the new hybrid power units, balancing internal combustion with increased electrical deployment. Testing of the new cars is scheduled to begin at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on January 26, followed by two sessions in Bahrain. These trials will determine whether Verstappen’s call for smaller, lighter cars has been addressed and if Red Bull’s gamble on powering its own cars will yield competitive results.
F1’s commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2030 frames these developments, but uncertainty about the sport’s competitive balance under these radical changes remains high as the new era approaches.
