Martin Brundle ‘really concerned’ by what he’s heard about F1’s 2026 regulations

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Martin Brundle admits that he is ‘really concerned’ by what the Sky Sports F1 pundit has now heard about Formula 1’s technical regulation changes due to debut in 2026.

The pinnacle of motorsport is currently working on its biggest regulation changes for over a decade. Not since F1 introduced turbo-hybrid power units in 2014 has the series undergone such a major refresh. As well as new engines in 2026, F1 will embrace new aero regulations.

Yet despite the 2026 campaign continually creeping closer, Formula 1 and the FIA are still to finalise the regulation changes. Ongoing testing is also throwing up further challenges which leave Brundle fearing what could come once Formula 1’s 2026 regulation changes are fixed.

Formula 1 and the FIA are revamping active aero plans for the 2026 technical regulations

One of the major aspects of Formula 1’s 2026 regulation changes is the intended 50-50 split between electrical and internal combustion power supply. But to combat the side effects of the new engine rules, F1 is looking to include some moveable aerodynamic surfaces, as well.

But motorsport.com now reports that some ‘concerning characteristics’ have emerged from some teams’ preliminary simulator tests. Teams have been assessing the effects of an active front wing designed to help stall the aero in an attempt to also reduce downforce and drag.

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F1 initially only looked at including an active rear wing in the 2026 rules which works with the existing Drag Reduction System (DRS). It was the least complicated option to let cars have a high-downforce set-up in corners before changing to a low-drag configuration on straights.

However, preliminary simulator tests showed the car was ‘almost undriveable’ in a low-drag configuration with the engine also running at full power. F1’s intended 2026 regulations saw drivers spinning on straights when accelerating and losing the rear end during slight corners.

Martin Brundle is ‘really concerned’ that F1 and the FIA are still to finalise the 2026 rules

Formula 1 is working with the teams to fully understand the impacts of the proposed active aerodynamic rules for 2026. The FIA also accepts the current configuration will not work in real life. So, the FIA is now working to design front and rear wings that work in conjunction.

But Brundle feels Formula 1 and the FIA should already have the 2026 technical regulations ‘cast in stone’. The former Tyrrell, Williams, Benetton and McLaren driver is majorly worried that they are still not finalised and some serious issues remain unsolved as time ticks down.

“You have to be really concerned about this because, here we are, 22 months away from these cars running and it’s not defined,” Brundle has stated on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast.

“It’s going to have active aerodynamics, as well, with a lot more wing movement than we currently see with the Drag Reduction System and a lot more battery power.

“So, the cars are probably going to be heavier, more complex and they’ve got to get the housing and deployment sorted out. And it feels to me like these regulations should have been cast in stone a good year or so ago.”