LONDON — The anticipation of winning the Formula 1 championship in 2025 presents an intriguing challenge for teams. Major regulation changes set for 2026 could potentially disrupt the competitive dynamics, putting team leaders in a difficult position.
“Continuing development may lead to a championship win, but it could cost you in 2026,” commented George Russell of Mercedes, voicing the dilemma on Tuesday. Success in F1 often hinges on the continuous development and refinement of a car during the racing season. McLaren’s strategic improvements were key to their first constructors’ title victory in 26 years in 2024, while late adaptations helped Max Verstappen secure his drivers’ title at Red Bull.
The dilemma facing teams is that starting 2025 on a weaker note might lead them to halt developments on the current car in favor of focusing on next year’s upgrades, given the sweeping alterations to cars and engines coming up. Getting an early start could secure significant advantages in the following years.
Navigating the new rulebook is crucial.
“It’s going to be an extremely hectic year for us,” stated Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal. Horner is juggling Verstappen’s pursuit of a fifth consecutive title in 2025, alongside preparations for the 2026 overhaul and a new Ford engine for the subsequent season. With F1’s spending cap in place, Horner notes, “It’s identical resources for everyone, but how you allocate them matters.” Previously, Red Bull emerged triumphant with major regulation shifts, leveraging ground-effect aerodynamics superiorly, leaving its chief rival Mercedes behind. Red Bull has since secured 47 victories, while Mercedes has just five.
Success might lead to future restrictions. Under the rules, less successful teams receive more time to develop aerodynamics in expensive wind tunnels, while the reigning champion garners the least. Despite finishing third last season, Red Bull gains a slight advantage in wind tunnel time this year owing to Sergio Perez’s performance, ahead of McLaren and Ferrari.
“This advantage, especially during a regulatory change, could be incredibly valuable,” added Horner.
New competitors rise
Several audacious teams have much to gain by betting on 2026.
Williams driver Alex Albon attributes Red Bull’s previous advantage as the reason he is already experimenting with 2026 strategies. “Now, teams are finally catching up. That highlights the significance of a head start. It’s why we have this weird transitional year,” Albon remarked. “Simultaneously, while in our simulator, our focus already shifts towards next year.”
Aston Martin has secured Adrian Newey, the mastermind behind Red Bull’s prior dominant designs, to focus on 2026. Significant investment is transforming their factory. Meanwhile, Sauber is undergoing a “building year” before transitioning to the Audi brand, and General Motors is launching a new F1 team from scratch under Cadillac for 2026.
Rookies face unique challenges
The imminent changes add further hurdles for numerous F1 newcomers in 2025. Much of their initial learning will soon become obsolete. Eighteen-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, debuting in F1 with Mercedes, shared, “Next year will be completely different. I aim to make the most of the experience I gain now to better prepare for ’26.”
In this volatile landscape, teams are making strategic bets for the future even as they contend with the present racing demands.
