Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has revealed how far some Formula 1 teams could go next season to beat their rivals ahead of new 2026 technical regulations.
2026 will see the introduction of new regulations, particularly on aerodynamics, as well as a 50/50 split between the internal combustion engine and electric energy.
With teams unable to start work on their 2026 cars until next season, 2025 is expected to see updates to the current cars.
Vasseur suggested that teams could voluntarily sacrifice their 2025 season, finishing lower in the standings to gain more wind tunnel testing time in 2026, which could shake up the order of competition.
“It's not critical in this period if someone has an advantage and is given more wind tunnel runs. That's because today we are making such small progress with each run.”
“But the turning point could be 2026, because some teams that maybe aren't fighting for the championship next year might decide, 'Okay, for 2025, we don't care about being in this or that place in the standings builders. We are going to concentrate fully on the 2026 project.
“And if you are fighting for something big like a title, you will have the temptation to do more for 2025 while the other teams already have more possible development because they are lower placed in the standings.”
“So these teams will be entirely focused on 2026, with a development advantage. And whoever is in 1st place will have to spread their efforts over the two seasons. A double penalty when you want to secure the title.”
