Jacques Villeneuve dismisses the notion that Mercedes will have an advantage over the rest of the field from 2026 onwards. Many experts warn that history will repeat itself when new hybrid engines are introduced in Formula 1. In 2014, the sport first switched to the electrified V6; Mercedes made a flying start at the time. However, this time all teams would have a solid understanding of this technology, according to Villeneuve.
In just a few months, Formula 1 teams will unveil their cars for the 2026 season. The sport is facing a major technological revolution, both in terms of chassis and aerodynamics and in the underlying technology. From next year, power will be evenly distributed between a new internal combustion engine and a battery. These changes could have significant implications for the current balance of power.
Many experts, including team bosses and drivers, fear that Mercedes will once again be dominant. At the dawn of the hybrid era in 2014, the Silberpfeile were also invincible. With Lewis Hamilton, the German racing team ushered in a prolonged period of dominance at the time. However, former world champion Jacques Villeneuve is not afraid that history will repeat itself: “In 2014, Mercedes had a lead of no less than five years over the rest of the field”. “Because that happened then, many expect it will be no different in 2026. But I don’t believe the other manufacturers will be caught off guard.”
‘Just Rumors’
“Everyone is now starting with a solid understanding of how these engines work, so why would Mercedes be able to make another big leap forward?” Villeneuve wondered. “The technology is the same, only the application changes.” Yet, whispers in the paddock suggest that the German racing team is in the best position for 2026. “The stories about Mercedes’ superiority are just rumors,” said Villeneuve pragmatically.
“Anyway, it seems that this engine era will be short-lived,” he continued, referring to the ongoing interest in atmospheric V10 engines. “Let’s hope that no single engine will be vastly superior to the rest. Such an advantage usually lasts a long time. With improvements in the chassis or aerodynamics, you can quickly make up time, but improving an engine block is much more time-consuming.”
