The 2026 Formula 1 season is already shaping up to be a thrilling ride, with teams facing a unique dilemma that will impact their strategies and development priorities. As pre-season testing kicked off, teams got their first look at the competitive landscape for the upcoming season and began assessing where they needed to improve their cars. But this season is no ordinary one – it has been dubbed the “Super Season” due to the new regulations that will see current machinery in action every month until the end of 2026.
The new regulations will lead to shakedown tests in January of next year, followed by pre-season outings in Spain and the Middle East. This means that teams will need to have a launch version of their 2026 cars ready earlier than usual, prompting them to work tirelessly on their designs from an earlier date. While teams often claim to focus solely on their own performance during testing, the reality is that they closely monitor their competitors’ progress, drawing inspiration and learning from their ideas.
Laurent Mekies, team principal of Racing Bulls, acknowledges the importance of analyzing the competition during the first test of the season. He highlights the need for teams to pick their battles carefully in the final year of the regulations, as major changes may not be feasible within a short timeframe. As teams begin to shift their development focus towards the 2026 car, they are also keeping a close eye on their rivals’ solutions for the current season.
James Key, technical director at Sauber, emphasizes the diminishing returns of trying to understand and replicate a rival’s concept with limited time remaining before the regulations change. Despite the temptation to shift focus to the next season, the value of the current year cannot be underestimated, especially in terms of financial impact and future budget considerations based on constructors’ championship positions.
Ayao Komatsu, team principal of Haas, reflects on the challenges of being off the pace compared to competitors and the necessity of continuous development to catch up. He stresses the importance of maximizing performance in the current season while also planning for the future based on different scenarios and expectations set by team owners.
As teams navigate the decision of when to switch focus to the 2026 project, individual priorities and competitive positions will play a significant role. Some teams, like Aston Martin, are already prioritizing preparations for the next season to ensure their long-term success. Andy Cowell, team principal and CEO of Aston Martin, highlights the transition process across different departments from 2025 to 2026 focus, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning and experimentation within the team’s growing infrastructure.
With each team assessing its competitive standing and setting its sights on the future, the 2026 Formula 1 season promises to be a strategic battle both on and off the track. While the clock is ticking on next year’s regulations, teams must also keep their eyes on the immediate challenges and opportunities that the current season presents. In this high-stakes environment, second-guessing rivals and making calculated decisions will be crucial for success in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.
