F1 bosses predict what to expect amid massive 2026 engine changes
Several Formula 1 team bosses have predicted a quick convergence on the grid ahead of the changes set to herald the sport in 2026.
“I don’t think this is going to be 2014 levels at all.”- James Vowles
F1 is set to undergo sweeping changes to both the power unit and chassis for the 2026 campaign, prompting concerns that a team could dominate the field as Mercedes did at the start of the turbo-hybrid era in 2014.
However, team bosses Andy Cowell, Steve Nielsen, and James Vowles have expressed optimism that such a scenario is unlikely, emphasising their confidence that any performance gaps will be closed rapidly.
Cowell, who was the first to respond, highlighted how the sport has shown that gaps between teams can be evened out. The Aston Martin team principal also explained how unlikely it is that one team will start off the new regulations being the best in all the individual areas set to define the sport in 2026.
“I don’t have any concerns about that. That’s just natural competition when there’s a reset on everything. The industry has shown that if there is a gap, it closes up quickly, that’s part of the sport."
“I’m sure we’ll see a team come up with the best aero package, and a power unit manufacturer come up with the best PU. The tyres are new as well, so understanding the tyres and the energy deployment that we’ve already talked about, a team will be the best at that. It’s unlikely that a team will be the best at all the individual parts. So it will balance out.”
Alpine’s managing director also echoed Cowell’s sentiments, stating he expects the field to close up quickly.
“I’d agree with all that. My personal view is that when you get big changes in regulations, that will spread the field out. People will iterate towards the same solutions very quickly – it will close up.”
The 61-year-old, however, urged the FIA to take careful consideration before opting for major regulatory overhauls like the one currently in motion.
“If I could change anything about it, it would be that we should really think carefully before we change again, because you often get the best racing at the end of a set of regulations."
“I just think we should hold on to that the next time we get there and perhaps not be so quick to change it. That doesn’t mean I’m not a fan of the new cars, but when we eventually iterate to good racing – as we will quickly – then let’s stay there for a bit.”
Williams Racing team principal James Vowles also echoed the views of the others, stating he doesn’t think the field gap will be as big as it was with the regulation changes in 2014.
“I think mostly all said. But what I would say is I don’t think this is going to be 2014 levels at all. I think it’ll be a lot closer than that – just to alleviate people’s fears. But more than that, we’re already having open dialogue now at this stage of ‘what if?’"
“What if a power unit manufacturer is ahead or behind – how do we make sure? Because we do recognise… We are a sport, but we’re also here for the racing, making sure that we are racing each other on a very similar wavelength. So, watch this space. But as Andy said, people will catch up quickly.”
The 2026 F1 cars will feature several changes, with the power units set to deliver more power, while the cars will also be smaller and lighter, alongside several other sweeping changes to the aerodynamics and tyre dimensions.
Amid these changes, the Mercedes team are predicted to have the best power unit for 2026 – a rumour that continues to swirl within the F1 community.
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