F1 drivers have all reached a ‘very critical’ conclusion after testing their 2026 cars in the simulator

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As the 2025 Formula 1 season reaches the halfway point, the teams now face a critical decision with their development for 2026.

The new technical regulations are perhaps the most transformative that the sport has ever seen. With a larger emphasis on sustainability and electrical power, the pecking order is set for a huge shake-up next season.

The F1 teams have all had very different approaches to the new regulations. Williams were the first to prioritise 2026, while newcomers Cadillac are at a slight advantage as they can focus on next year, while the existing 10 teams have to simultaneously work on their 2025 cars.

Sauber have now completely shifted to 2026, as they are set to become Audi next year. Meanwhile, Ferrari still plan on upgrades in 2025 as they hope to improve Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s fortunes.

Testing will be well underway behind the scenes in the simulator for the 2026 machines. However, those who have tested it have come to the same conclusion.

‘None’ of the F1 drivers who have tested the 2026 car in the simulator are happy

The 2026 F1 regulations not only bring new cars and technical advancements, but also new power units. Audi and Red Bull will become engine suppliers, while Aston Martin switch to Honda engines from Mercedes, with Alpine replacing them as a customer team.

Max Verstappen knows Red Bull are ‘far away’ with their 2026 engine, as concerns begin to mount amid talks with Mercedes. He may have seen issues while testing on the simulator, and he is not alone in his assessment.

Journalist Ian Parkes noted that ‘none’ of the F1 drivers who tested the 2026 car are happy. Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll appeared to be ‘very critical’ at the British Grand Prix, as he was the ‘most animated’ he’d ever seen him in a press conference when asked about next season.

Talking about Verstappen’s role at Red Bull as his title chances in 2025 dwindle away, Parkes said via the RacingNews365 podcast: “It’s building up towards next year. It’s doing everything he can to assist the team in whatever way he can for the development of that ’26 car.

“We’ve heard a lot of noise coming out of the drivers who have had the opportunity to test the ’26 car in the simulator and none of them are happy.

“I mean, just to draw on Lance Stroll for a second, Lance Stroll was probably the most animated I’ve ever seen Lance Stroll in a Thursday drivers’ press session at Silverstone last week, when I asked him about the opportunity of a ’26 car in the simulator, whether he’d done that yet.

“And he was very, very critical, not happy at all with the way that car was shaping up.”

READ MORE: Everything we know about F1’s 2026 regulation changes from engines to tyres

Where do the F1 teams sit in the pecking order for 2026?

At this stage, it is difficult to tell where the teams currently stand in terms of competitiveness for 2026. However, there have been rumours that suggest some idea has been made up for the pecking order.

Mercedes are tipped to have the fastest engine in 2026, as the paddock fears that the new regulations could see a return of their domination in the ground effect era. However, Verstappen does not think Mercedes will be superior, claiming that the engines will be relatively equal.

McLaren face a ‘terrifying’ situation as they decide when to shift focus to 2026. They want to maintain their dominance under the new regulations, but they also want to win in 2025, giving them a dilemma over the summer break.

Audi’s engine will ‘not be the best’ in 2026 as they enter F1 as a new manufacturer. The team are ramping up preparations for next year as they hope to be a competitive outfit in seasons to come.