Alex Albon has just revealed the biggest problem with F1’s new 2026 rules that fans won’t understand

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Formula 1 is just over a month away from the arrival of some of the biggest changes seen in the championship’s history.

The eagerly anticipated 2026 F1 regulations could be set to bring the biggest shake-up to the grid of the 21st century.

Perennial frontrunners could become backmarkers and vice versa, depending on how successful certain outfits have interpreted the new rules. The constructors’ championship is wide open.

Those that have invested heavily in their infrastructure over the last few seasons should see some better results, such as Williams and Aston Martin.

James Vowles has taken the perfect approach to 2026 with Williams – change our minds

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Williams will finish their 2026 F1 work ‘earlier’ than their rivals, which means they might be leaving a little performance on the table to make sure they turn up to testing on time.

Just a few weeks ago, Williams tested a 2026 part which looked ‘so nice’, but it won’t guarantee them a spot at the front of the grid.

READ MORE: Carlos Sainz reveals why he opted to sign for Williams over Audi after losing his F1 seat at Ferrari

Alex Albon expects drivers not to push flat out after the 2026 F1 regulations begin

Williams’ Alex Albon has been previewing the new changes, and has already warned fans of one of the more confusing aspects that is incoming. Drivers won’t be pushing all the time.

“I think the bigger factor is that the teams are going to have to use simulations and these kind of things to kind of give us the optimal way to drive a lap or to drive a race,” he said in a Williams YouTube video.

“That, I think the simulator, what we’ve experienced, is the biggest brain scratcher. Let’s see, I think as the year progresses, let that simmer.”

Juan Pablo Montoya thinks that team principal James Vowles has built Williams to ‘Mercedes level’ since joining them in 2023.

This summer, he signed a contract extension tying him to them for the long term, but results on track are what matter most, and he knows that.

With a Silver Arrows engine in the back for 2026, they’re poised to be at the front if the engine is as strong as rumoured. They could end up being a dark horse candidate for a title.

READ MORE: James Vowles and Carlos Sainz address ‘talk in the paddock’ regarding Mercedes’ 2026 F1 power unit

Why Williams have been tipped to be very strong in 2026

Carlos Sainz caught Vowles ‘off-guard’ with factory visits, showing how eager he truly is to lead yet another team back to the front of the grid.

He had success at both McLaren and Ferrari, helping to transform their car during tough spells. The work he has done is easily forgotten.

2025 marked the first time in eight years that the team managed to finish inside the top five of the constructors’ standings.

Sainz’s work should continue to spur the team on, who have everything in place to be successful over the next few years.

Being in the top half of the grid is a big motivator for the team, who will be energised and excited about 2026, knowing that they have a chance to compete at the front again.