P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 figureheads have quelled concerns that next year’s brand new cars will be slower to the point of being closer to current F2 speeds.
Formula 1 figureheads have reassured that the new cars for 2026 will not be as slow as Formula 2 cars, despite becoming slower due to new power unit regulations.
The new era starting in 2026 introduces technical changes including a power unit with a balance between electric and ICE power, leading to slower lap times.
The FIA’s single-seater director, Nikolas Tombazis, clarified that lap times will be slightly slower, around one to two seconds off the current pace, not dropping to Formula 2 levels.
Red Bull’s Chief Engineer, Paul Monaghan, highlighted that the speed decrease may vary depending on the track, with some circuits likely resulting in more significant drops in lap times.
Overall, while the 2026 cars will be slower, they are not expected to reach Formula 2 speeds, providing a new challenge for teams and drivers to navigate during races.
