A seismic shift is on the horizon in the Formula 1 landscape as Honda is poised to dominate the power unit sector in the upcoming 2026 season. The new engine regulations set to roll out seem to be tilting the scales in Honda’s favour, while Ferrari appears to be grappling with issues that could extend into 2025.
Honda’s powertrain is anticipated to lead the pack in the next Formula 1 regulation cycle, a prediction that stems from the ground-breaking engine regulations slated for next season. This significant shift is the first of its kind since the hybrid regulations took effect in 2014. The incoming changes place a substantial emphasis on increased electrification and the incorporation of sustainable fuels, potentially providing Honda with the competitive edge.
On the other end of the spectrum, Ferrari’s SF-25 is proving to be less impressive than initially anticipated. The car, currently not regarded as a significant improvement over the performance-challenged Mercedes vehicle piloted by Lewis Hamilton in the previous season, is raising eyebrows. This insight comes from Gary Anderson, a former F1 technical director. Anderson expressed concerns over the 2025 Ferrari’s lack of driver-friendliness during the recent pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Moreover, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko’s recent comments add another twist to the narrative. He suggests that the tides could be turning for Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc outperformed the former in the F1 2025 pre-season testing in Bahrain. Marko’s analysis implies that Hamilton’s motivation could take a hit if he sees no potential for victory in the upcoming season.
The F1 landscape is also witnessing a significant personnel reshuffle at Sauber as they gear up for their final season in Formula 1. Sky F1’s David Croft reported that the transition of the Sauber team into the Audi F1 works team, scheduled for 2026, is not progressing as smoothly as expected. The transformation, initiated in 2022 following an agreement, has been a prolonged affair, marked by extensive personnel changes.
In the grand scheme of things, these developments hint at an exciting future for Formula 1. With Honda potentially coming out on top in the power unit sector and Ferrari struggling to keep up, the stage is set for an intriguing 2026 season.