Alex Albon Prepares for 2026 F1 Technical Overhaul

August 7th, 2025, 10:30 AM
Alex Albon Prepares for 2026 F1 Technical Overhaul
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Alex Albon anticipates that Formula 1 drivers will face a significant challenge in 2026. Starting from that season, the FIA will introduce new technical guidelines that will have profound implications for teams and drivers. The increasing electrification of the sport raises many questions. According to the Williams star, the smartest drivers – those who know how to ‘exploit’ the system – will get the most out of the new generation of cars.

In 2026, Formula 1 will undergo a drastic change. The cars will not only get a new look, but the technical regulations will also be significantly overhauled. An adapted hybrid powertrain will be introduced, with a more balanced power distribution between the combustion engine and the battery. The aerodynamics, tires, and chassis concept will also be thoroughly revised. The ultimate goal is to create more exciting races through smaller cars with better road handling.

Alex Albon, who has already had a taste of the future of Formula 1 on the simulator, shared his first impressions with Motorsport Week. “It’s difficult to drive,” the British-Thai driver began. “The mental load is high. You need to know exactly how to use the engine and energy management. You also have to learn a new driving style, but that’s part of a new regulation.” Although Albon admits that the cars’ performance did not necessarily disappoint, the real challenge for him was understanding the new power source. “I mainly wanted to get to know the drivetrain and discover how I can get the most out of it,” he explained.

Exploiting the Rules

“I don’t think it’s going to be like Formula E,” Albon reassured, knowing that a lot of racing in the electric racing class is done according to the lift-and-coast principle. “It remains full-on racing. There will be PU-clipping and that sort of thing. Next year it will all be a bit more complex, but I’m not complaining,” he assured. “It’s just really different to drive. The drivers who will excel are the ones who can truly adapt,” Albon said.

Therefore, he emphasized that it no longer solely depends on pure speed or talent. “As a driver, you have to do a lot. The smart drivers who understand and know how to exploit the system will deliver the best performances,” he concluded sharply.

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