P1racenews AI automatic summary:
1996 World Champion Damon Hill has backed F1 debutants Audi and Cadillac to be two of a number of teams that could cause a “complete surprise” in 2026.
Former World Champion Damon Hill believes that Audi and Cadillac, as new entrants in Formula 1 in 2026, have the potential to surprise enthusiasts.
Both German and American manufacturers are embarking on their F1 debut season, Audi taking over Sauber and Cadillac securing the coveted 11th team spot.
The introduction of new technical regulations this year has made the sport more unpredictable, as teams face fresh challenges in interpreting the rulebook.
Hill anticipates that these rule changes will create a level playing field for all teams, possibly giving Audi and Cadillac the opportunity to make a significant impact.
Additionally, Hill expects Aston Martin, especially under the leadership of Adrian Newey, to possibly emulate the BrawnGP fairytale of 2009, should Newey work his magic on the team’s new car, the AMR26.
Acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming season, Hill suggests that traditional frontrunners may face tough competition from the likes of Audi, Cadillac, and Aston Martin, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable championship battle.
