Threatening poker-style games foreseen for the year 2026 with simulations involved

2026 Formula 1 Season Kicks Off Amidst Uncertainties

The 2026 Formula 1 season has officially begun, marking a new era for the sport. However, the season is shrouded in uncertainty as teams and tire manufacturer Pirelli grapple with the challenges posed by the new cars and tires.

The new tires for 2026 are slightly narrower than the current generation, a change that could significantly impact performance. Moreover, the rear tires are expected to suffer from increased torque due to the new cars' design.

To tackle these challenges, teams are simulating the new cars on computers and drivers are testing them in driving simulators. Pirelli, meanwhile, is dependent on these simulations for the development of the 2026 tires.

However, not all teams are transparent with the data they provide to the FIA and Pirelli. Some teams are believed to have a technical advantage or be trying to exploit a yet-undiscovered loophole, which could potentially skew the simulation results.

Pirelli is concerned about the approaching deadlines for the homologation of the 2026 tires. Six test days with two teams each are scheduled in Monza, Mugello, and Mexico City before the final test after the Abu Dhabi finale.

The development curve from today until the start of the 2026 season is expected to be extremely steep. By the end of the first season with the new regulations, the cars will be significantly faster than at the beginning.

Teams like Ferrari, Red Bull, Sauber, McLaren, and Alpine are among those actively involved in the development of the 2026 Formula 1 tires. Ferrari, for instance, made a change to the front wing of their test car during the Budapest tests three weeks ago, mimicking the flat position of the flaps that will be allowed on straights next year.

However, the simulation results for Pirelli's new tires are not clear, with differences of up to four seconds on some racetracks. This uncertainty could potentially lead to the tires for the slowest cars being oversized, while the tires for the best cars might not withstand the stresses they will encounter.

Pirelli has appealed to all teams to be as open as possible in their communication to avoid potential issues with tire stress in races. By ensuring transparency, teams can help Pirelli navigate the unclear simulation results and develop tires that can withstand the demands of the new cars and tracks.

Threatening poker-style games foreseen for the year 2026 with simulations involved