Domenicali: F1's 2026 Rule Changes Will 'Rip Up the Form Book'
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali forecasts that the 2026 technical regulations—featuring smaller, lighter cars, 50/50 hybrid power units, and active aerodynamics—will completely reset the competitive order. He anticipates a volatile season with a rapid development race, challenging the current dominance of top teams and opening the door for new contenders.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali predicts the sport's competitive order will be completely reshuffled when sweeping new technical and power unit regulations take effect in 2026. He forecasts a "fast and intense development race" that could see teams' fortunes fluctuate dramatically throughout the season, not just at its start.
Why it matters:
The 2026 rules represent the most significant overhaul since the current ground-effect era began in 2022. With new manufacturers like Audi entering and core technical philosophies being rewritten, the established hierarchy led by Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes is under genuine threat. This reset offers a crucial opportunity for midfield teams to leapfrog the competition and could redefine the championship landscape for years to come.
The Details:
The 2026 rulebook introduces fundamental changes across the car:
- Power Units: A move to a 50/50 split between electrical and internal combustion power, with the ICE running on fully sustainable biofuels. Energy management is expected to become a critical performance differentiator.
- Car Design: Cars will be smaller, approximately 30kg lighter, and will utilize active aerodynamics on both front and rear wings, rendering the current DRS system obsolete.
- Tyres: Pirelli will supply new compounds with front tyres 25mm narrower and rears 30mm narrower.
Domenicali emphasized the scale of the challenge, stating, "The form book will be ripped up. The pecking order will be up in the air... I’m pretty sure where you will rank in the first race, won’t be where you rank at the end of the year."
The Big Picture:
Beyond the technical revolution, the 2026 season will also feature significant commercial and calendar shifts. Audi will officially enter as a works team, while Andretti's prospective entry with Cadillac power remains a point of discussion. The calendar will evolve with the Spanish Grand Prix moving to a new street circuit in Madrid, and the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão slated to return from 2027. Domenicali noted the sport is "working hard to evolve the schedule" to be more sustainable in terms of the flow of races, with several other countries expressing interest in hosting events.
What's Next:
Development for the 2026 season is already underway in factories across the grid, with teams and power unit manufacturers investing heavily in divergent concepts. The true test will come during pre-season testing, where the first glimpses of the new competitive order will emerge. If Domenicali's prediction holds, the 2026 championship could be one of the most unpredictable and development-driven seasons in recent F1 history.