Formula 1 outlined its vision for the 2026 regulation changes ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix earlier this month. But teams had already set to work on their new-look cars behind the scenes.
While they have been waiting for the exact chassis specifications to be finalised, they have been able to start testing their revised engines. The aim is to triple the electrical power output of the current hybrid system.
1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve is among those to voice concern about this shift. He fears that drivers will have to slow down on the straight to recharge their battery.
It’s been revealed that they’ll be able to deploy extra energy when they’re sufficiently close to the car ahead. This will act as a replacement for the drag reduction system (DRS).
The MGU-H, which has been a staple since the introduction of the V6 in 2014, will be removed. And the engines will also run on sustainable fuels.
There are still more than 18 months to go before the 2026 cars even roll out for testing. But already there are ‘rumours’ that Red Bull are lagging behind, while Mercedes may have an early advantage.
Bruno Famin says Alpine already have issues with 2026 car
Red Bull’s powertrains operation is still in its relative infancy as they prepare to split with Honda. But Renault, owners of Alpine, are a well-established engine manufacturer.
And yet, team principal Bruno Famin has admitted that they are facing some ‘problems’ in their factory as they tackle the ‘very complex’ 2026 challenge. The Enstone outfit would have hoped to use the rule reset to drastically improve their position in the pecking order.
With just five points from nine races, they’re currently down in eighth in the championship. This puts them on track for their poorest campaign since 2016, when they collected only eight points.
There are rumours that Renault CEO Luca de Meo is considering ‘giving up’. He could seek an external engine supply deal, which would make Alpine a customer team rather than a works outfit.
“First, I am not optimistic,” Famin said in the team principals’ press conference (via F1). “I’m just saying we are on track for getting our… We know we are going to have some problems, which is just normal with this kind of very complex project.
“And about the rumours, we just don’t comment on the rumours. We owe a lot of respect to everybody in Viry working on that project and the worst thing would be to comment the rumours.”
Damon Hill questions ‘baffling’ Flavio Briatore return
In an attempt to turn their fortunes around, Alpine have hired former Renault chief Flavio Briatore as an executive advisor. Briatore is a highly controversial figure in the F1 paddock.
That’s because he initially received a lifetime ban for his role in the ‘Crashgate’ scandal at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. The punishment was later overturned.
Speaking in Barcelona, 1996 world champion Damon Hill said he just couldn’t understand a ‘baffling’ and ‘extraordinary’ move from Alpine. He’s also ‘very disappointed’ by what rival team principals said.
Both Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur have applauded the decision, arguing that it will benefit the Enstone outfit. Depending on what Briatore advises, they could soon receive an enquiry about purchasing an engine.
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