Current thinking regarding the 2026 F1 regulations is for a 20cm reduction in wheelbase, a 10cm narrower track and a lessening in wheel-rim diameter from 18in to 16in. This is to reduce car weight. There is also the desire to frame the aerodynamic regulations in such a way that teams will be guided into creating more of their total downforce from in-washing the airflow direct to the underfloor and limiting the outwash, so as to clean up the aerodynamic wake of the cars. Active adjustment of front and rear wings is also being considered to further aid overtaking.
Cadillac has announced that it has registered to be an F1 power unit manufacturer from 2028, widening its intended technical and commercial partnership with Andretti in the latter’s bid to join F1 in 2026. Should Andretti reach an agreement with FOM to race in ’26 and ’27, it would use a Cadillac-badged customer power unit from an existing supplier yet to be confirmed.
Mercedes chief technical officer Mike Elliott has taken gardening leave. Earlier this year he and James Allison swapped roles, with the latter returning as technical director. Gardening leave would suggest an acceptance of an offer elsewhere. Williams would seem to be the logical berth, given that James Vowles has made no secret of his wish to hire a new technical director.
Max Verstappen’s schedule around the last two races of the season gives insight into his time demands. From Brazil he flew to the Red Bull factory for simulator work. On Friday and Saturday of that week he was in France and Switzerland on sponsor commitments. He flew to Vegas the following Monday, for PR events. Three days after Vegas he was scheduled for a PR event in Abu Dhabi and then to Tokyo for a meeting with Honda, followed by a Heineken event in Amsterdam, the FIA Awards in Baku and a Red Bull event in the UK.
