(Motorsport-Total.com) – 2026 was a new beginning for Formula 1. A completely new set of regulations has, among other things, ensured that the established balance of power in the premier class has shifted somewhat.
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Although an impression of the “new” Formula 1 has already been gained in the first three races, many questions still remain open. We take a look at which things still need to be clarified in the coming weeks and months.
Will the F1 rules for 2026 be changed – and when?
The new rules for 2026 have been received differently so far. Drivers appreciate the smaller, more agile cars, but this is overshadowed by the greater emphasis on electrical energy and the resulting focus on energy management.
Many drivers are openly expressing their displeasure at the amount of energy saving and recovery measures the new cars require in qualifying – namely “lift-and-coast”, downshifting on straights, or so-called “super-clipping” (charging the battery at full throttle). An undesirable consequence is that drivers are no longer driving at the limit in fast corners.
However, the new rules have provided significantly more action on race Sundays. In the first three Grands Prix, 149 overtakes were officially registered – a conservative figure, as only position changes at the end of a lap were counted and the first lap was excluded. This is significantly more than the 63 overtakes that Melbourne, Shanghai, and Suzuka offered combined last year.
However, there are concerns regarding the different closing speeds between cars using energy and those currently recovering it. These concerns grew after Oliver Bearman’s heavy crash in Suzuka. Additionally, Lando Norris reported that he could not fully control his car’s energy management.
On April 9, an initial meeting took place regarding possible rule adjustments, both for the rest of the season and for coming years. Further sessions are scheduled: the sporting group meets on April 15, the technical group on April 16, before all parties come together again on April 20.
Possible changes include the reduction of usable electrical energy and an increase in the amount of energy recoverable during super-clipping.
Will anyone challenge Mercedes in the title race?
The new era could hardly have started better for Mercedes: a one-two finish in the first two races, plus another victory for Kimi Antonelli in Suzuka and a fourth place for George Russell.
The Silver Arrows have a clear lead in qualifying – eight tenths in Australia, three and a half in China and Japan – and even the weak starts, especially compared to Ferrari, are at worst a small hurdle.
Ferrari believes it can reduce the gap via the ADUO system (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities). In this process, the power units are evaluated after the 6th, 12th, and 18th races. Manufacturers with a performance deficit of two to four percent are allowed to make one additional upgrade, and those with a deficit of more than four percent can make two.
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Charles Leclerc and team principal Fred Vasseur emphasize, however, that the SF-26 must be improved in all areas, not just the power unit.
McLaren’s performance at the Japanese Grand Prix was meanwhile encouraging. Oscar Piastri outqualified both Ferraris, started strongly, and took second place. Nevertheless, the Woking-based team knows that it is currently only the third fastest.
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Who will prevail in the midfield?
This question is difficult to answer, if only because it is unclear who even belongs to the midfield. A month ago, Red Bull probably wouldn’t have been included, but the team is only in sixth place in the constructors’ championship with 16 points – surrounded by Haas (18), Alpine (16), and Racing Bulls (14).
Red Bull’s qualifying level is the worst since 2015, and things aren’t going any better in the race. “We have a good engine. The power unit is strong, but the chassis is terrible. We are simply too slow in the corners,” said Isack Hadjar soberly.
“The only positive thing is that I can drive the car fast at all. But we have no idea how to make it really fast,” said the Frenchman. Team principal Laurent Mekies believes Red Bull is paying the price for the 2025 title fight. Regardless of the cause, there is no solution in sight, and the departure of key staff is exacerbating the situation.
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Alpine’s Pierre Gasly qualified ahead of both Red Bulls in Shanghai and Suzuka, and Haas driver Oliver Bearman also finished ahead of them in China. The Racing Bulls are also regularly scoring points with Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, showing that the Red Bull-Ford engine is not the problem. The race for fourth place in the team standings thus remains completely open.
In addition, aerodynamic testing restrictions are hampering Red Bull. Because of third place last year, the team is entitled to less wind tunnel and CFD time. Alpine, on the other hand, which was last in 2025, is allowed to carry out the most tests until the end of June. After that, the allocations will be re-sorted according to the 2026 interim standings.
Can Aston Martin and Honda solve their problems?
For Aston Martin, the Honda era began as badly as possible. Team owner Lawrence Stroll had hoped that a works engine would bring the decisive step towards the top group, supported by high investments and prominent personnel additions.
However, the AMR26 designed by Adrian Newey suffers from performance and reliability problems. In qualifying, Aston is fighting with newcomer Cadillac for the penultimate row of the grid. In the race, the Honda engines cause strong vibrations that damaged batteries and even triggered health problems for the drivers.
Although things got a little better in Suzuka, where Fernando Alonso was at least able to finish the race – albeit only in 18th. For Aston Martin and Honda, the 2026 season is likely practically lost. Both want to focus on 2027 early on to fight back.
Will Verstappen leave Formula 1 because of the new rules?
There is a real chance that Max Verstappen will leave Formula 1 in the near future – though not primarily because of Red Bull’s problems. The four-time world champion has repeatedly sharply criticized the new rules, especially the energy management, and emphasizes that he is currently no longer having fun.
Particularly annoying for him: he had already warned of the weaknesses of the new regulations back in 2023. The upcoming rule meetings will be decisive for his future.
Verstappen himself recently emphasized that he finds joy in GT racing and is facing personal “life decisions”.
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