Formula 1 teams are secretly using drivers from rival series to help develop their 2026 cars

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The 11 Formula 1 teams are scrambling to build the best car possible for the 2026 season as the new regulations storm the paddock, and they are taking some interesting measures.

The 2026 rule changes will see a radical new car design, with no DRS and a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power in the engines.

These changes have already brought about controversy among the teams, as Mercedes and Red Bull have found a loophole with the compression ratio of the combustion engine to find more power. Ferrari are already planning a protest in Melbourne as they could be at a disadvantage,

Another area of controversy has been around the electrification of the power units. Several drivers have been heavily critical of the new cars, particularly raising concerns about the battery.

Many are worried about how they will save energy during races, with it being suggested that they will have to lift and coast down the straights. It would explain why the teams are seeking help from a rival championship.

Formula 1 drivers are using Formula E drivers in their simulators to help develop their 2026 cars

Journalist Jon Jackson discussed on talkSPORT’s On Track that F1 teams have been taking an interest in Formula E drivers and engineers to help develop their 2026 machines. Some have already been secretly testing in the simulator.

“We know that with the electrical components changing and the amount of energy coming from the battery, there’s been a lot of interest in the Formula E technology,” said Jackson.

“Obviously, they’ve been doing it for over a decade now, so a lot of people have been tapped up, is the word on the street or the word in the paddock that I’ve heard from different people.

“We spoke to Roger Griffiths from Andretti and he was discussing how he’s kept his team together but he’s aware of interest.”

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Fellow journalist Nick Golding said: “As you pointed out, there are more Formula E drivers than you might realise, working for F1 teams in the simulator.

“Somebody who’s quite often posting pictures on their social media is Nyck de Vries, of course in the McLaren sim, because he’s a McLaren simulator driver.

“There are others, who I shall not name, but there’s quite a few in Formula E who are doing things for the F1 teams because, as you pointed out, this is, for Formula 1, a huge step into the unknown in regards to electrification.”

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

What do Formula E teams make of Formula 1’s interest?

It is no surprise to see F1 look towards FE for help with the electrical components. The all-electric series is used to save energy during races and ensure they do not run out of power.

While F1 will not have the same issues as FE in that regard, the sport’s drivers and engineers are best positioned to help out with the 2026 regulations. Asked about F1’s interest, DS Penske chief Phil Charles told Formula1.It: “I’d be lying if I said they didn’t call me.

“If we’re talking about energy optimisation, there’s already a hybrid system in Formula 1. It’s not a complete novelty for them, but the direction of the new rules makes energy use crucial.

“There are a lot of parallels with Formula E in the way you manage energy. And yes, I’d be lying if I said none of my friends in Formula 1 have called me saying that what we do here is extremely relevant to them.”