Are F1 drivers STRUGGLING with the 2026 car?

What’s changed and why drivers are unsettled

The 2026 cars are a new breed. They are not simply faster or slower versions of last year’s machinery; they demand a completely different way of driving. Several drivers described the cars as “complicated” and “challenging,” and the first three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain backed that up with some surprising numbers on the timing sheets.

Instead of the usual tight spread, lap times across the field showed gaps of around 4 to 6 seconds between the fastest and slowest cars. For context, last year’s smallest-to-largest gap at a similar session was often under a second. Those large differentials raise real questions about qualifying and race-day competitiveness.

Big performance gaps: what they mean for racing

Large gaps in testing can translate into lopsided qualifying and even lapping during races. Some insiders suggested that, if progress stalls over the remaining three days of testing, qualifying could see multi-second disparities and races might include cars several laps down by the finish.

That would be bad for wheel-to-wheel action, but there is a twist. The new powertrain architecture and energy management systems could create fresh strategic scenarios that occasionally produce dramatic on-track moves. The balance between mechanical speed and energy strategy will be decisive.

Electric regeneration, the bike light analogy, and race strategy

A simple way to understand part of the problem is to picture a bicycle dynamo that powers a light. The dynamo generates electricity by creating friction against the wheel, which also slows the bike down. These F1 cars can harvest energy in ways that affect their speed at different points on the lap.

That matters most on long straights. For example, on the Shanghai straight drivers may need to recharge their batteries toward the end of the run. Recharging costs speed, so a car that chooses to harvest will drop off the group momentarily. If one driver decides not to charge when the others do, he could swoop past several cars in one move, at least until his energy level forces him to back off again.

Expect qualifying to get tactical. Drivers might queue before the final corner to arrive with maximum energy for the last blast, and racecraft will include managing energy in traffic, not just hunting the ideal racing line.

The boost button, launches, and the new driving skills required

The cars come with a boost button on the steering wheel. Using it effectively is now a learned skill rather than simply a reflex to floor the throttle. Teams spent testing sessions practicing overtakes and energy management with their drivers, drilling multiple overtaking maneuvers and race-preparation techniques in traffic.

This test was also the first time many drivers could practice launching the new cars from a standing start. The process proved surprisingly lengthy and fiddly. Plenty of wheel spin, slides, and lockups were observed on track — clear signs these cars are tricky at the limit and demand a fast learning curve.

Driver adaptability, contracts, and pressure

Not every driver will adapt at the same pace. The grid contains a mix of veterans and younger talents, and about 15 of the 22 drivers carry performance clauses in their contracts. If a driver who excelled in 2025 struggles to get on top of the 2026 car, it could create mid-season shake-ups and contract headaches.

The testing mood suggests a fair number of drivers flew back to Europe feeling uneasy. Skill at energy management, comfort with ABS-like braking behavior, and the ability to read the car’s electrical balance will all become key performance differentiators.

Team snapshots: who looked strong, who worried

Early testing saw Mercedes put strong laps in, topping some timing sheets with both cars. Still, Mercedes drivers publicly tipped Red Bull’s new power unit as a major threat — a bit of gamesmanship but also a nod to Red Bull and Ford’s progress together.

Red Bull’s powertrain looks promising and Max Verstappen has already compared the sensation to “Formula E on steroids,” highlighting how different this package feels. At the other end of the spectrum, Aston Martin struggled with pace and reliability, running more than four seconds off the leaders and leaving their star driver visibly concerned.

Cadillac reported a heavy mileage haul, covering around 1,700 kilometers over three days — more than five race distances — and they did not look the slowest. Overall lap counts showed McLaren and Williams high on track time, with McLaren and Williams each logging over 420 laps across the tests, while Aston Martin managed around 206 laps.

Reliability, fuel changes, and the season outlook

The 2026 regulations reduced onboard fuel from 90 liters to 75 liters. That shift increases reliance on electrical power and makes energy management a permanent part of race strategy rather than an occasional adjunct.

Reliability will be a headline concern heading into the first race. Teams have only a few more test days to iron out systems, and there is still a lot to learn about how the cars behave in hotter climates compared to Barcelona. Expect the Australian Grand Prix to be a high-stakes, high-interest opener where surprises are likely — from unexpected podium candidates to fresh strategic drama.

Liveries and team kit: a lighter note on new-season style

Amid the technical questions, the new liveries and pit crew kit are turning heads. Personal favourites include McLaren’s papaya and Red Bull’s glossy finish, while opinions vary across the rest of the field. Team apparel also drew attention, with Red Bull and one other team featuring the crew member’s name on shirts, and several teams using common performance shoes across the paddock.

It’s a reminder that even when the engineering is complicated, the visual identity of teams remains a big part of the sport’s appeal.

FAQ

Are the 2026 cars actually slower or faster than last year?

There is no simple answer. Top speeds and lap times vary by track, setup, and how teams manage energy regeneration. Testing showed significant variance across the field rather than a uniform gain or loss of pace. The reduced fuel load and heavier reliance on electric assistance change where on the lap a car is fast or slow.

Why are drivers complaining about the 2026 car?

Complaints stem from the cars demanding new skills: precise energy management, unfamiliar launch routines, tricky brake and lockup behavior, and the strategic burden of when to harvest energy. The cars behave differently in various temperatures, adding to the learning curve.

Could energy harvesting create more overtakes?

Yes. Harvesting decisions create temporary speed differences. If one car chooses not to recharge while a pack does, it can make a dramatic overtake. But these advantages are often transient — energy deficits will usually catch up with the attacker later in the lap.

Which teams look strongest after the first tests?

Early signs point to Red Bull as a major contender thanks to a strong power unit, while Mercedes posted quick laps and showed solid mileage. Cadillac and McLaren logged high distances, while Aston Martin needs gains after a slower outing. These impressions are provisional; additional test days and track-specific behavior will alter the pecking order.

How worried should fans be about one-sided races?

It is a concern if testing gaps persist into qualifying and race trim. But the new energy systems also introduce tactical elements that could produce dramatic single-lap or on-track moments. The best outcome would be competitive grids plus strategic complexity — which will only be decided over the next few test days and at the early races.