This season brings a tricky decision for the ten Formula 1 teams. They must determine the right time to halt this year’s car development and shift their focus toward 2026. According to Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal, the upcoming regulation changes represent “the biggest regulation change in probably 50 or 60 years in the history of the sport.”
Throughout a season, teams usually work tirelessly to enhance their cars, striving for drivers’ and constructors’ championships, which come with lucrative prize money based on their finishing positions. However, this year presents a unique challenge. With the 2026 regulations, notably concerning engine configuration, teams must redirect their attention early to prepare for the following season’s car. As a result, development for 2025 might cease just a few races into the season.
James Vowles, the team principal at Williams, stated that his team is on board with this transition. “I’ve been crystal clear from the outset that 2026 is the focal point, and that decision impacts 2025,” he explained.
“There will inevitably be teams pushing for updates. I’m confident we’ll witness intense battles at the front, leaving teams in a quandary about whether to invest in 2025 or gear up for 2026,” Vowles speculated. He refrained from pinpointing a specific event or race when Williams might pivot. “I want to see our initial performance this year,” he mentioned.
He continued, “The real difference will be evident when the wheels hit the ground in Australia,” in reference to the races starting with the first Grand Prix on March 16. “Yet, I doubt our strategy will significantly diverge from its current course.”
Meanwhile, McLaren enters the new season with the aim of defending its hard-earned constructors’ title. Last year marked their renaissance as they clinched their first title in 26 years, breaking Red Bull’s two-year run.
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, stressed that teams must decide based on their realistic chances of winning races and contending for the championship. McLaren has developed its car rapidly to build on last year’s success and hold onto the title.
“There will be updates in the early races, but that would occur even without the 2026 rule changes,” Stella noted. “With four teams capable on any given weekend of snagging a victory, the potential to drop from pole position to eighth is a stark reality. We’ve pressed forward with development, and we’ll see if we managed to outpace competitors from 2024 to 2025.”
McLaren narrowly edged out Ferrari by 14 points in the constructors’ standings last year. Now with Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time champion, at the wheel, Ferrari seeks its first title since 2008. Ferrari’s team principal, Frédérick Vasseur, emphasized the significance of the regulation changes, including significant aerodynamic revisions.
“If development is necessary for the current car, it’ll be brief, and likely during the first few races,” Vasseur remarked. “I wouldn’t say we’ll abandon the current car altogether, but a shift in focus toward 2026 is expected.”
“The initial races and any early upgrades will be pivotal for the season.”
Mercedes hasn’t been a title contender since the 2022 regulations, crafted for closer racing, took effect. While they won four Grands Prix last season, they finished fourth, trailing McLaren by 198 points.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, sees a golden opportunity if they start the season strong. “We’re competing for wins and podiums. We can’t just dismiss them,” he stated. “While we are transitioning resources for the 2026 regulations earlier than if conditions were stable, it won’t be transformative.”
Wolff drew inspiration from Niki Lauda, a three-time champion, and Mercedes’ former non-executive chairman, who famously said he’d prefer winning both the current and next championships.
Last year, Red Bull slipped to third in the constructors’ standings, although their driver, Max Verstappen, clinched his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship. Their challenge intensifies as this season, they develop their engine in-house at Red Bull Powertrains in partnership with Ford.
“Taking on this project, we recognized our knowledge gap compared to teams like Ferrari and Mercedes,” Horner admitted. This collaboration with Ford has energized our efforts, leveling the playing field with our competitors.”
Horner is under no illusion about the challenges ahead. He remains aware of the obstacles his team must overcome as they prepare for 2026.
Horner recalls battling for championships amid significant regulation shifts, such as in 2021 when Verstappen won the drivers’ crown, though Mercedes took the constructors’ title.
If Red Bull faces a similar scenario this year, crucial decisions must be made. “The longer a championship battle drags into the season, the tougher it becomes,” Horner said. A tightly contested championship complicates how teams allocate their resources, creating a real balancing act.”
