Just over 24 hours passed between the publication of the Formula 1 regulations for the 2026 season and the first crisis. It is not unusual for drivers to be less than enthusiastic about new developments. The response from drivers on media day in Canada was quite mixed, even chief critic Max Verstappen was able to find something positive in the last version. In the team boss’s press conference after the first training session, the mood was much more negative.
There had already been rumors beforehand that the majority of teams did not agree with the latest version of the 2026 rules. This became clear in the press conference. “We at McLaren support the stated goals, but if we look at the draft regulations, we are far from achieving these goals,” ranted McLaren team boss Andrea Stella.
While fans and media representatives only received a summary of the 2026 chassis rules, the teams received a complete set of regulations from the FIA. As usual, this is initially only a draft. However, it is to be adopted at the next meeting of the World Motor Sport Council at the end of June. Time is running out, as the deadline for major rule changes for 2026 is June 30, 2024.
Although changes to the regulations can still be made after this, teams and Formula 1 will be involved in the process. The FIA can still use its own statutes to shape the regulations for 2026 until June 30, 2024. Not all ten teams wanted to issue a power of attorney to postpone the process.
Far from the final Formula 1 regulations in 2026?
Stella is not alone in his criticism of the latest FIA draft. Other engineering teammates also share his concerns. “I think we are still quite a long way from the final regulations. Now everyone involved needs to discuss possible problems constructively instead of playing it out through the media,” says Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack.
Stella agrees: “It is now time for the FIA, Formula 1 and the teams to work together, listen to each other and contribute to a solution so that the sport achieves its goals. If we achieve these goals then Formula 1 will be in good shape, but we have to make sure we do that.”
There are several problems with this. Firstly, performance. “It is imperative that we remain at the top of motorsport. That is why we have to ensure that we maintain our current performance. And there is a fundamental imbalance at the moment,” says Williams team boss James Vowles. “On some tracks, the performance difference to Formula 2 could be just a few seconds and that could be a bit tight compared to other series.”
Cars in 2026 too slow in curves, too fast on straights
“The cars are not fast enough in the corners and too fast on the straights,” explains Stella. Article 3 of the draft regulations regulates aerodynamics. Those involved can live with the active aerodynamics. “It’s a smart way to have an efficient car in this environment,” praises Vowles. The step is necessary because the higher proportion of electric vehicles requires more efficient cars – otherwise the cars run out of power too quickly on the straights.
According to FIA calculations, the measures reduce drag by 55 percent, but at the same time reduce downforce by 30 percent. “Just this week there were two changes that took away quite a lot of downforce,” criticizes Vowles.
In addition to the dimensions of the vehicles, the teams are also bothered by the fact that they do not have enough freedom. “It is important to have more freedom on the aerodynamic side,” says Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu. “I am not sure whether the balance has been properly achieved as prescribed.”
Stella sees the root of all evil in the engine regulations: “The problem is how the power unit operates. That still needs to be adjusted. We can still achieve a 50/50 concept (combustion/electric power ratio), which is a nice concept, but it can also be achieved without creating so many problems on the chassis side.”
Williams already overweight: even worse in 2026
Williams in particular is also bothered by the weight requirement. The minimum weight will be reduced by 30 kilograms from 798 kilograms in 2026. Williams already has enormous problems getting the car to the lower limit. “It’s not fun to spend your life finding marginal things to save weight,” says Vowles.
It is surprising that the team bosses are unanimously criticizing the regulations presented by the FIA. Since the engine regulations were adopted in 2022, the FIA has been working with all teams to develop the chassis regulations for 2026.
What did the drivers say about the new Formula 1 rules from 2026? Record world champion Lewis Hamilton, for example, sided with the critics: