Ex-Haas Team Principal Günther Steiner on the new Formula 1 regulations from 2026 – The South Tyrolean wants lighter cars in the premier class
Formula 1 is introducing new technical regulations from the 2026 season. The new cars will be smaller and slightly lighter. However, there will be no smaller rims, which were intended to reduce weight. Active aerodynamics, a kind of push-to-pass system and more electric power are also planned. Former Haas team boss Günther Steiner is positive about the steps taken by Formula 1
“The regulations are a natural evolution of Formula 1,” says the South Tyrolean. “Technical development in Formula 1 never stands still. The percentage of electric power has increased, which is why the cars have had to be modified and adapted to the drivetrain.”
However, the weight is a thorn in Steiner’s side: “The cars have become very heavy. We should try to make them lighter again, because they have to be agile, but that is very difficult. The biggest problem is the battery, which weighs a lot. Nothing can be done about that yet.”
But Steiner is confident that progress will be made here too. “Maybe it will work in the future, because Formula 1 is developing something like this very quickly,” he says. “It’s good that the cars are getting a bit smaller, because at the moment they are very big. I like them, but they are very big. Sometimes taking a step back is the right way to take two steps forward.”
Steiner praises Formula 1’s move to downsize the cars. He also rejects the criticism that the rules are being changed just when Red Bull’s dominance is beginning to crumble. “However you do it, you do it wrong for someone. The new rules will reshuffle the field. There will also be two new engine manufacturers, which will be very exciting. “