Martin Brundle has voiced his concerns about the new Formula 1 ruleset revealed by the FIA that is set to come into force in the 2026 season.
It will be the most significant change to the cars since the switch to hybrid engines in 2014, with the new cars designed to improve racing and achieve F1’s targets of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
To achieve this, the cars will rely more on electrical power from the power unit, utilise environmentally friendly fuel, and use active aerodynamics to achieve greater straight-line and maintain high cornering speeds.
The changes have temped Audi to enter the championship for the first time, while Honda is set to continue with Aston Martin, and Ford will also team up with Red Bull to produce their own engines from 2026.
Writing in his latest column for Sky Sports, former F1 driver Brundle has given his thoughts on the direction it is set to take in the next regulation change.
F1 2026 cars will use active aerodynamics
Along with designing the all-new power units, the teams have also been helping shape the chassis rules which will feature an evolution of the current design.
The main difference is that they will use active aerodynamics in the form of movable front and rear wings, enabling drivers to switch between an ‘X-Mode’ for low-drag on straights and ‘Z-Mode’ for greater cornering speeds.
It means the current Drag Reduction System (DRS) will no longer be used after 11 years, while the FIA is aiming to reduce the overall weight by 30kgs to make the cars more nimble.
Drivers will also have a manual override function within the MGU-K in the power unit, to request more power at high speed to help aid overtaking. The system is akin to a ‘push to pass’ function, giving drivers access to more boost from the electrical motor for longer once they reach 340kph.
Additionally, the amount of energy that drivers can recuperate under braking has doubled, leading to a total of 8.5 megajoules per lap.
Martin Brundle concerned about key changes for 2026 F1 cars
Brundle has highlighted one of his potential concerns with the new rules that could catch out drivers if used improperly.
“I like to be fundamentally positive about these things as they tend to turn out fine in the end once the FIA, F1, and teams combine their talents and mighty resource. F1 has had to evolve over the decades to remain cutting edge and relevant whilst somehow fulfilling its primary role of entertaining people,” said Brundle.
“Some are concerned that the cars will be too high on top speeds on the straights, and too slow through the corners in that aero format. I’d personally be a concerned about significantly moveable front and rear wings should they not return to the correct position for a very high-speed corner due to debris, damage, or malfunction.”
Reports emerged earlier this year that there were major concerns over the next generation of F1 cars, after initial simulator running showed cars spinning on straights due to rear-end instability.
The FIA has since worked with teams to come up with a solution to the problems, assuring them that the latest version of the rules addresses any safety concerns.
The post ‘Too slow’: Martin Brundle shares what he’s ‘personally’ concerned about after reading new 2026 F1 ruleset appeared first on F1 Oversteer.
