There are major issues with the next generation of Formula 1 cars in the initial simulator running, according to a report. The sport will see what is arguably its biggest rule change since 2014 at the beginning of the 2026 season.
While the exact details of the regulation changes have yet to be confirmed, teams have already agreed on some of the core principles. F1 will power its engines with sustainable fuels, and it will also simplify the power units by scrapping the MGU-H.
But according to Motorsport.com, the proposed changes are making the cars ‘undrivable’ as it stands. The plan is to significantly reduce the weight of the chassis and cut downforce levels in a bid to promote more overtaking.
The last time there was a fundamental shift in the aerodynamic profile of the cars in 2022, it was Red Bull who seized the advantage. Chief designer Adrian Newey has out-classed his counterparts in the ground effect era, with the Bulls cruising to two consecutive championships.
Last year’s RB19 was the most dominant car in F1 history, winning 21 out of 22 Grands Prix. While Ferrari mounted a slightly bigger challenge the previous year, Red Bull still took victory at 17 of 22 events. Max Verstappen and co. are on course to put up similar numbers this term, having extended their lead at the top of the championship with a dominant win in Japan last weekend.
2026 F1 cars have been ‘spinning on the straights’ in simulator
According to the report, there were ‘multiple examples’ of drivers spinning out when they accelerated onto the straight. They also experienced rear-end instability when navigating even the ‘smallest of curves’.
Drivers are accustomed to a change in the aerodynamic balance of the car when they open their DRS flaps, but the impact of the prospective 2026 shift is apparently ‘as much as three times’ larger. One ‘insider’ said the only way to prevent spinning was to drive at Formula 2 pace.
The early findings have prompted a change in tack, though it’s unclear how much this might delay the new rules being finalised. Regardless, teams won’t be able to begin work on their 2026 challengers until next year.
2026 F1 rule changes may shake up running order
The main hope for neutrals when F1’s new era begins will be a closer fight at the front of the field. The expectation is that Red Bull will continue to be the class of the field until the end of next year, even if Ferrari are edging closer.
Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok says the ease with which Verstappen is able to win races is ‘alarming’. Meanwhile, Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas is ‘concerned’ by the extent of his superiority.
Elsewhere, 2026 will see the entrance of another major manufacturer as Audi purchase 100% of the Sauber team. The German brand could look to sign race-winning free agent Carlos Sainz ahead of their arrival.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin will form a partnership with Honda as they look to forge a way to the front themselves. Red Bull, for their part, will run with Ford-branded powertrains.
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