Formula 1 Drivers to Adapt to New Cars Under 2026 Regulation Changes
Haas driver Esteban Ocon has stated that Formula 1 drivers will have to “forget everything that we’ve learned since go-karts” as they adapt to the sport’s new cars under the regulation changes for 2026. The rules reset aims to achieve a 50/50 split between power produced by the internal combustion engine and power from the hybrid’s battery. This significant change will require drivers to modify their driving style to maximize performance.
A key aspect of the new regulations is the introduction of active front and rear wings, which will allow drivers to enjoy maximum downforce in corners with wings closed, while gaining the benefits of reduced drag on straights with wings open. However, to maintain enough charge in the battery to maximize performance over a lap, drivers will need to tactically choose how to deploy that energy in wheel-to-wheel battles with rivals. According to Ocon, “It’s a very particular way of driving the car. There’s going to be a lot more management on the engine side and on the hybrid side.”
Adapting to the New Cars
Ocon, who has driven a version of the 2026 Haas in a simulator, said he is already anticipating a different challenge this season. “The car itself, you know, felt pretty good. The balance was decent, although of course it was our first taste in the simulator, so we need to see how it is in reality, but the level of grip was good.” The biggest change, according to Ocon, is from the engine side, and that’s going to be the key for the team to be prepared.
Ocon will drive the Haas for real for the first time at the F1’s pre-season test in Spain next week. Two further tests will follow in Bahrain in February ahead of the first race in Australia on March 8. However, Ocon believes the competitive order will take much longer to emerge. “I’d say by the third or fourth race we’ll have some indication, but it won’t be the final pecking order because there’s going to be a lot of development, especially in this first year,” he added.
Focus on Development and Adaptation
Ocon emphasized the importance of focusing on development and adaptation in the early stages of the season. “It’s definitely worth taking all the points you can as early as you can, but even if we’re not exactly where we want to be, there are still things to grab in the middle of the season where lots of teams will be bringing updates.” As the season progresses, teams will continue to refine their cars, and the competitive order will become clearer.
For now, Ocon and his team will focus on getting the maximum out of the car from the start of the season. “I think right now, we need to focus race to race and get the maximum amount of the car, do good things straight away from Australia, and then we will see how things pan out later.” With the new regulations and the introduction of active front and rear wings, the 2026 Formula 1 season promises to be an exciting and challenging one for drivers and teams alike.
