F1 news: Ferrari under pressure as 2026 regulations usher in a new era
With Lando Norris claiming the World Championship, the 2025 Formula 1 season has drawn to a thrilling close.
But developments for next year are already well underway.
New regulations and a reimagining of car design mean that the teams face a reset, reshaping the competitive order of the grid.
Sports News Blitz’s Ellie Man explores the new F1 regulations to be introduced in 2026, as well as Ferrari’s prospects after a disappointing season.
What are the 2026 regulations for F1?
During the modern ground effect era (2022-2025), Red Bull took the lead in performance, leaving Mercedes and Ferrari struggling to develop a response.
Max Verstappen dominated, winning three of his four consecutive titles and saw unparalleled success in race victories and winning percentage.
With the period now wrapped up, it is undetermined which teams will adapt most effectively to the changes in rules.
A focus on efficiency and sustainability means that the cars will require an even 50-50 split of electric power and the internal combustion engine.
This marks the biggest hybrid transformation in F1, increasing the electric power use by nearly 300%.
The start of next season will likely see wide performance gaps between the different power units as established manufacturers try to retain their edge against the change in rules.
This is especially significant with Red Bull providing their own engine for the first time, and Mercedes supplying engines for themselves, McLaren, Williams and Alpine.
At the same time, the Drag Reduction System (DRS) has also become a thing of the past.
Instead, a ‘manual override engine mode’ will provide a boost in temporary power - giving drivers more electrical power for longer.
This change complements the ‘Z-mode’ and ‘X-mode’ states, which will be allowed at certain points on each track.
‘Z-mode’ will generate more downforce as the front and rear wings are closed, whilst in ‘X-mode’ the flaps can open, which will reduce drag and increase speed.
The cars will also be physically smaller than before, by 20cm in length and 10cm in width. They will also be 30kgs lighter.
This will enable reduced dirty-air sensitivity and more overtakes without having to rely on DRS, bringing greater action to each race.
Leclerc demands ‘it’s now or never’
After a disappointing year with no wins and a sore lack of race pace, Ferrari ended the season at P4 in the Constructors’ Championship, having slipped down from P2 earlier in the campaign.
With Ferrari having shifted resources during this season to progress next year’s car in ‘Project 678,’ there are growing hopes that the Prancing Horses will be able to regain their dominant form.
Charles Leclerc has stated: “It’s tough, but at the same time, honestly, I think the whole team is hugely motivated for next year, because it’s such a big change, a huge opportunity to show what Ferrari is capable of.
“And it’s now or never, so I really hope that we will start this era on the right foot, because it’s important for the four years after.”
When asked whether the early races of the 2026 season will determine the long-term competitive order, Leclerc further added, “I think it will be, yes. Maybe not in the first three, four races, but by race six, seven, I think we’ll have a good idea of who are the teams that will be dominating for the four years after.”
With a fresh slate, Ferrari are under pressure to deliver a title-challenging car that will bring glory back to Italy.
Leclerc’s long-standing contract with Ferrari is at risk of strain should the team fail to provide, with the Monegasque driver having been rumoured to attract interest from rival teams.
Testing for the new regulations began early, with Pirelli tyres being trialled on the 2025 cars after the Abu Dhabi GP.
Further pre-season testing is scheduled from January 26-30 at Barcelona, followed by two sessions at Bahrain on February 11-13 and 18-20.
With the incoming 2026 rulebook and rising expectations from the team and Tifosi alike, it is now up to Maranello to turn promise into performance.
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