F1 team principals downplay fears over 2026 regs

ABOVE: Team principals James Vowles (Williams), Jonathan Wheatley (Stake Sauber) and Andrea Stella (McLaren)

Williams team principal James Vowles says the development work done on the 2026 regulations so far gives him reason for optimism, in contrast to fears about them that some drivers have expressed.

Discussions related to the 2026 power units have been dominating headlines in recent weeks, but those are also linked to the cars themselves which will feature active aerodynamics to try and reduce drag on straights in relation to power unit performance. Charles Leclerc said his impressions of the new regulations were “not something that is particularly exciting” at the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, but Vowles has a more positive outlook.

“It’s early days because we’re still developing the car and the winter regs have only been in for a few months now,” Vowles said. “But I’m not seeing the stark concerns that are coming out of other corners.

“For us, the racing looks actually pretty good at the moment. I think it’ll be pretty good from a spectator perspective. The [aero] wake is better, following will be better, so I’m not overly concerned. The biggest thing I probably have is the weight target. It’s a good idea to reduce the weight, but that’s a tough call for all teams. That’s the only thing coming out of our side.”

Vowles’ comments come after a meeting of key stakeholders relating to future power unit regulations in Bahrain, with a return to naturally aspirated engines using a sustainable fuel one topic discussed. While suggesting further changes to the rules might be needed, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella shared Vowles’ optimism but says the sport should focus on trying to make the 2026 cars a success.

“When we talk about future regulations – we haven’t even started 2026, and we are already talking about something else,” Stella said. “I would like to invoke a sense of responsibility by all the stakeholders, because we are here to protect the interests of the sport. I wouldn’t want us to undermine what could be actually successful regulations.

“They may need some tuning and adjustments – but that’s what we are here for. Let’s define exactly the technical challenge and resolve it. Let’s all work collaboratively toward the interest of the sport, which comes when we have a good product. I think we can have a good product in 2026. We just have to work toward it.”

New Stake team principal Jonathan Wheatley — who recently started in his role ahead of the team’s evolution into Audi — says the representatives that were part of Friday’s meeting were satisfied with the talks that took place but remain steadfast in wanting a hybrid powertrain moving forward.

“What I would say — because the whole subject is being discussed at the moment — is that there was a very open and productive and collaborative discussion today with all the major stakeholders,” Wheatley said. “From what I understand, it’s got the best interests of Formula 1 at heart. That was the basis of the entire conversation, and the feedback I’ve had was very encouraging.

“What I would say just talking about 2026 is that Audi is very clear about its position. The reason they’ve got involved in the sport is the excitement around the three pillars that we see as really important – the first one being a highly efficient engine, the second one being an advanced hybrid system, and of course, sustainable fuels being the bedrock of that.”