A new era that does not convince everyone
The preseason tests in Bahrain left a strange feeling. Chaotic starts, complicated overtaking, drivers lifting their feet on straight lines. Formula 1 2026 is presented as a puzzle on wheels.
And the older ones are not happy.
“Nothing fun”
This is how Max Verstappen described these new cars. The four-time champion was direct: they could be a factor when considering his retirement. On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton questioned whether the rules are too complex for fans.
But this goes beyond opinions.
It is the result of a radical change. The FIA promotes a 50-50 split between power from the traditional engine and the electric hybrid system. Driving now is pure commitment.
Rev hard on the grid, lift your foot on straight lines to charge the battery, reduce aggressively in curves. The pilots look more like power engineers than asphalt warriors.
Ferrari arrives with ingenious solutions
While some complain, others innovate. The Italian team featured a rear wing that flips up to gain speed on a straight line, plus a mini wing behind the exhaust.
He also shined in practice starts, just where others – especially Mercedes – showed weakness. Hamilton offered one of the most striking moments by passing four cars like a missile in Bahrain.
The ‘big four’ remain.
Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull continue to show potential. George Russell with Mercedes could be a real contender for the title. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri look consistent with McLaren.
But extra attention on the Mercedes engine – fast in testing after weeks of speculation about its legality. The German team defends that its design is perfectly regulatory.
Not everyone made the transition.
Some teams sacrificed 2025 thinking of big profits this year. It didn’t work.
Even with the legendary Adrian Newey, Aston Martin was late to testing, unreliable and often slower than the new Cadillac team. Williams and Alpine have also had difficulties.
Cadillac’s complicated debut
The eleventh team arrives with veterans Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas, but faces a year of learning after being consistently slow in the preseason.
Even its Super Bowl ad – with that asymmetrical black and white decoration – ran into problems: a lawsuit from director Michael Bay.
And the races?
Prepare to hear about cars being “starved for power” on circuits like Australia, which don’t have as many hard braking zones to charge the battery.
The new “overtaking mode” with extra power could be a waste if it takes several laps to fully charge. And it would still leave the car you overtake as an easy target later.
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1, calls for calm:
“We need to stay calm. As always, when something happens with new regulations, there is always the doubt that everything is wrong”
The FIA could intervene to adjust regulations if the first races pose strange scenarios. Meanwhile, the grill prepares for the unknown.
One thing is certain: this season will be less about pure instinct and more about smart management. The drivers will have to think like strategists in each corner.
