The upcoming changes to the regulations in 2026 are set to bring about exciting shifts in the hierarchy of the grid. It is possible that Red Bull’s grip on power may finally come to an end, following a surprising departure. On the other hand, Mercedes could reclaim their dominance after successfully navigating previous regulations. Interestingly, there are reports suggesting that Mercedes’ engine for the 2026 season has garnered support from certain individuals.
Under Red Bull’s dominance during the ground-effect era, has delivered some remarkable performances. The team’s success in recent seasons can be attributed to the impressive performance of Honda’s engine. However, with the regulation changes in 2026, Milton Keynes will be partnering with Ford to develop a new engine. Consequently, there is a belief that Mercedes has the capability to produce a superior power unit for the 2026 season.
According to formulapassion.it, Max Verstappen was seen aligning himself with Mercedes’ engine for the 2026 season at the . This could be attributed to the success of Mercedes’ Formula E team, which has already achieved multiple victories. Therefore, the forthcoming regulations, which will introduce more electrical components to the power unit, may greatly benefit Brackley.
The team at Mercedes has been diligently working on improving their power unit’s performance since the ground-effect era. It is not surprising, therefore, to see the German carmaker investing significant resources into power unit development. Mercedes’ Technical Director has revealed that Brackley is making substantial investments in their High Performance Powertrains (HPP). The impact of these investments is expected to be evident in the upcoming regulation changes in 2026.
As a result, Mercedes could potentially dethrone Max Verstappen as early as 2026, following a successful campaign. Allison expressed gratitude for the promising upgrades that the team has received, emphasizing how these investments will enhance their performance in the pinnacle of motorsport in the coming seasons.
During the ground-effect era, Mercedes has struggled significantly. Max Verstappen’s dominant performances have left little room for competition from Brackley since the introduction of the regulations. Therefore, the 2026 season and beyond promise to be highly captivating as we witness potential changes in the current pecking order of the teams. Additionally, Ferrari and McLaren have also shown promising prospects, adding to the excitement.