(Motorsport-Total.com) – The debate about the new Formula 1 cars for 2026 continues to provide talking points. But alongside some sharp criticism, including from Max Verstappen, positive voices have been increasing following the test drives in Bahrain. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur is also now convinced by the new cars.
Read more Haas Team Principal: Changes at the start are okay, but more would be «not fair»
“It’s in the DNA of Formula 1 to complain about everything. But I think, overall, everyone was positively surprised,” says the Frenchman in a conversation with Motorsport.com, a sister platform of Motorsport-Total.com in the Motorsport Network.
“Some thought we would be at the level of Formula 2, but in fact, we are only two or three seconds behind the 2025 times. And last year, the temperatures during the Bahrain tests were significantly lower.”
“So if you look at the facts, the overall picture is much better than feared.” The fact that the “new” Formula 1 has not become as much slower as initially assumed had already been shown by the first analyses after the two four-day test drives in Bahrain.
Speed “doesn’t play a big role” if …
“Of course there are critical points, but we are at the very beginning of this technical cycle,” Vasseur emphasizes. “We have to adapt and further refine. And I think there is always the possibility to make adjustments if necessary.”
Both the world governing body FIA and Formula 1 itself had already reacted to the drivers’ criticism and held out the prospect of possible changes. However, they first want to wait for the first races of the new season (2026 Formula 1 calendar) before making any hasty decisions.
Read more Drive to Survive: Why Netflix didn’t care about the world champion at all
“The most important thing is strong competition: if two or more teams are close together, it doesn’t matter much whether you are one or two seconds slower than the previous year,” says the Ferrari team principal. “The decisive factor is being a tenth of a second faster than all competitors.”
Ferrari surprises with innovative solutions
That is exactly what the Scuderia could achieve this year. Because in both Barcelona and Bahrain, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc left a solid impression. In addition to fast lap times, innovative solutions also attracted attention – such as a rotating rear wing or the mini-winglet behind the exhaust pipe.
“You have to explore the technical regulations, be aggressive and go to the limit. That’s the only way to create innovation,” says Vasseur. “But it’s important that innovation doesn’t just affect the visible parts of the car. I’m pleased that two solutions have caught the attention of the press and the paddock.”
“But in the past, we have also introduced innovations in less visible areas – such as the suspension, the cooling system or the engine. And I think that applies to all teams. As far as we are concerned, I like to see our engineers pushing the limits while always exercising the greatest care regarding regulatory compliance.”
To protect themselves from possible trouble or protests from the competition, Ferrari has been “in an open dialogue with the FIA since day one to discuss the updates introduced,” the team principal reveals. “No one can afford to waste wind tunnel hours or budget cap resources by bringing solutions to the track that are not compliant with the rules.”
Read more One week before the season start in Australia: Charles Leclerc got married!