As Formula 1 prepares for its most dramatic regulation overhaul in over a decade, Mercedes deputy technical director Simone Resta is confident that teams won’t be blindsided when the 2026 season kicks off.
Next year will usher in a new era for F1 with significant changes to both engine and aerodynamic regulations, designed to enhance sustainability and innovation.
Despite earlier concerns about potential issues, such as cars running out of battery power on certain tracks, Resta believes the collaborative efforts between Formula 1, the teams and the FIA have minimized the risk of unforeseen challenges.
A Comprehensive Regulatory Framework
The 2026 regulations, fully revealed a year ago, introduce a host of changes, including the elimination of the MGU-H, increased reliance on electrical power, active aerodynamics, and a reduction in car weight by 50kg.
These updates aim to align F1 with sustainable technologies while maintaining competitive racing. Resta praised the FIA’s proactive engagement with teams to refine the rules.
"I think the FIA is very active at the moment in receiving indications from all the teams to close all the loopholes in the rules," he said in an interview last month with Motorsport.com.
"I don't think there will be any surprises, the rules seem to be defined quite completely. I am sure that we will see very different projects to try to make a difference.
Mercedes deputy technical director Simone Resta.
"The FIA seems to have managed to do a good job: it has put together a complete package of rules that leaves a lot of freedom for the teams to give their best. Now is the time to work and not to talk, it is time to make a difference."
This regulatory clarity has allowed teams to focus on development, with opportunities for innovation highlighted by industry experts like Aston Martin’s Adrian Newey, who noted the rules’ flexibility for creative approaches.
Addressing Battery Power Concerns
Initial concerns about the 2026 power units, particularly the risk of cars depleting battery power on straights at power-sensitive circuits like Monza, sparked a big debate within the F1 community.
Some even pushed for a return to V10 engines, a proposal that was ultimately rejected. Resta acknowledged these concerns but downplayed their potential impact.
"Maybe there will be issues to understand based on the track where we will race, [but] on many tracks the problem will not be evident," he said.
“We will probably see [the issue] at Monza, but there will already be some changes on the use of the power unit; therefore, honestly I don’t think it will be a big issue. We will see.”
Stable Rules and Development Progress
Since January, teams have been able to focus on 2026 preparations, leveraging wind tunnel and CFD testing to refine their designs. Resta noted that the regulations have reached a mature state, with only minor adjustments remaining.
"The regulation has undergone a strong evolution, at the moment it has found stability," he explained.
"I think it is quite mature, even if there are continuous refinements on the aerodynamic side, small things that are defined, but fundamentally it is defined. And this is a positive thing."
"Since the beginning of January, all the teams have been able to do the development in the tunnel and in CFD, being able to see first-hand how these cars work: having started the development, we have started to recover the lost load."
This stability has enabled teams to make significant strides in understanding the new cars’ dynamics.
A Perfect Storm of Innovation
The 2026 regulations represent one of the most significant overhauls in F1 history, combining new engines with sustainable fuels, revised aerodynamics without ground effect, smaller tyres, and updated electronics, transmissions, suspensions, and brakes.
Active aerodynamics and enhanced safety requirements will further reshape car designs.
"I think the 2026 regulations are now stable and if we add that the team technicians are starting to understand better how the cars work, we will find ourselves facing one of the biggest changes in the history of F1, because everything is coming in sync," Resta said.
He described the changes as a “perfect storm,” noting, "It is a bit like the perfect storm, everything will arrive at the same time, while in the past things have always been a bit out of phase."
However, he sees this as an opportunity: "The challenge is very complex but it offers an opportunity, because there will be several possibilities to try to make a difference.
Read also:
Newey: F1 2026 rules ‘slightly scary’ but room for innovation“Let's say that it will be a regulation that will put the teams in front of more risks of making mistakes than the current one."
With the 2026 regulations now stable and teams deeply engaged in development, Resta’s confidence reflects a collective effort to ensure a smooth transition.
The FIA’s comprehensive rule set and ongoing collaboration with teams have mitigated earlier concerns, setting the stage for a highly competitive and innovative 2026 F1 season.
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
Mercedes: 'No surprises' for F1 teams in 2026 thanks to clear rules F1i.com.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Mercedes: 'No surprises' for F1 teams in 2026 thanks to clear rules )
Also on site :
- Italy vs Moldova - prediction, lineups and live streaming
- Croatia vs Czech Republic - prediction, FREE online stream , lineups
- Watch match live Belgium vs Wales - prediction & lineups