Podcast: F1's 2026 relaunch - rule changes & engine upgrades unlocked
Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes Fans are split and F1 is in crunch talks about urgent rule changes: Mark explores the state the series finds itself in, and how the regulation tweaks — along with likely mid-season engine upgrades — could affect the teams
As F1 discusses rule changes after just three races in 2026, it’s also set to unlock engine upgrades for the trailing pack. How will this affect the championship?
This week’s crunch F1 meeting looks likely to alter the energy split of the 2026 hybrid power units: Mark Hughes and Bryn Lucas examine who will be the big winners and losers, and ask what F1’s crisis of its own making says about the state of the sport?
They also look ahead to when we’ll first see F1’s Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) — starting with exactly what it means — and explore why Gianpiero Lambiase has decided to leave Red Bull for Mclaren and end his lengthy stint as Max Verstappen’s race engineer.
Plus, Mark answers your questions on whether Verstappen could be tempted by McLaren; why cars queue in the pitlane; and whether there’s an engine map solution to safety concerns.
We’ll feature more listener questions next week. Don’t forget to post yours below.
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