P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The scale of F1 huge rule changes presents opportunity and threat for teams heading into 2026.
Mercedes has cautioned rival F1 teams about potential pitfalls with the new technical regulations, highlighting their own cautious approach to the upcoming changes. The forthcoming season will see a major overhaul in both chassis and power unit rules, marking the most significant shift in grand prix car design to date. Despite struggles in the past with regulatory adjustments, Mercedes is currently positioned to secure a second-place finish in the constructors’ standings for the second time after 2023. Andrew Shovlin, the team’s trackside engineering director, emphasized the importance of avoiding potential setbacks and learning from past mistakes. Shovlin stressed the complexity of adapting to new regulations while underscoring the team’s readiness to address any challenges that may arise, leveraging their experience and advanced aerodynamic tools. The ever-evolving nature of Formula 1 demands a meticulous balance between simulation work and on-track testing to fully comprehend the behavior of the new cars.
