Why today is a crucial day for the 2026 F1 season
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A new Formula 1 season is just around the corner, but Formula 1 teams will also be looking at the 2026 Formula 1 season from today onward. An explanation of why 1 January 2025 is an important date for F1 teams.
In 2026, Formula 1's regulations will be completely overhauled. New engines will be introduced, as well as completely new cars and tyres for that season. Plans for 2026 have been on the table for some time, but until now, teams have not been allowed to work on their cars for 2026. Starting today, they can.
Indeed, from January 1st of 2025, Formula 1 teams are allowed to start working on the cars for 2026. Of course, the focus will first be on 2025, but work on the 2026 car will also start immediately, since those who start working on that car too late risk falling significantly behind when the new regulations start.
Under the budget cap, it is increasingly difficult for teams to just throw money around. Much thought has to go into how much money is spent on a project. What you spend on the 2026 car cannot be spent on the 2025 car. So, teams will have to make choices throughout the year.
Why F1 rule changes have such an impact
The last rule changes were in early 2022. Then, initially, Red Bull Racing and Ferrari came out on top. From Ferrari, this was understandable as the Italians were not competing for the title in 2021. It was all the more galling from Red Bull as a firm title fight in 2021 was decided in the last race of the season. Led by Adrian Newey, Red Bull had the right concept immediately; Mercedes was well off the mark and failed to compete for even a single world title under the current regulations.
In 2026, there are also new engine regulations coming in, which means two new things will determine the new hierarchy. Ferrari and Mercedes are building on the knowledge gained in recent years while the competition faces a challenge. Honda decided to quit and then returned but has now fallen behind. Red Bull Powertrains-Ford and Audi have that backlog anyway, as they are developing F1 engines for the first time.
Engines for 2026 were allowed to be developed earlier, though, and manufacturers are already busy working on them. Most already have an engine on the test bench for the 2026 season. The last significant rule change in engines was in 2014. Then Mercedes had a considerable lead at the start of the first season, a lead it managed to hold for the first few years. Only in 2017 and 2018 did Ferrari come somewhat close before Red Bull only really managed to beat Mercedes to the Constructor's title in 2022.
So, a new regulation can be a significant turning point for a team. In 2025, you want to fight for your place, but a good starting position at the beginning of a new era might be much more beneficial in the long term. This is an important factor for all teams and manufacturers to take into consideration in 2025.
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