F1 2026: A New Way to Race

Esteban Ocon, a driver for Haas F1, believes the upcoming 2026 F1 cars will revolutionize what drivers know about speed. These new cars feature active aerodynamics and more powerful hybrid engines, marking a significant shift in Formula 1.

A Radical Departure from the Norm

Ocon recently tested his Haas VF-26 car in a simulator and noted that driving these new cars will be a completely different experience. Drivers will need to focus more on managing the engine and hybrid systems. He humorously suggested that drivers might have to forget everything they learned since their go-karting days.

More Grip, More Power, More Challenge

The new cars offer significantly more grip, which is a positive change. However, the engine is where the real transformation lies. Ocon emphasized that the engine will be the key to speed. While excited about the challenge, he acknowledged that it will take time to adapt to the new driving style.

Experience as an Advantage

With years of experience in F1, including driving cars from the V8 engine era, Ocon believes his background will help him adapt to the new regulations. However, he recognizes that everyone will need to learn new techniques and think differently while driving.

The 2026 Season: Unpredictable and Dynamic

The first race of the 2026 season is still some time away. Ocon anticipates that the pecking order might shift significantly at the start. Teams will be making constant updates and improvements, making it difficult to determine who is the fastest right away. He advises teams to secure points early but also be prepared for changes later in the season.