Albon warns 2026 cars will reward brains over raw speed

Alex Albon says Formula 1's next-generation regulations will demand more mental agility than driving flair, after testing a 2026-spec simulator car with Williams.

"Technologically speaking, the driver involvement is extremely high," said the 29-year-old. "The driver has a lot to do. As far as we're concerned, I wasn't shocked by the car and its performance. I was more focused on understanding how the power unit works and how to get the most out of it."

The 2026 rules will introduce smaller hybrid engines, active aerodynamics, and more complex energy management systems - raising concerns about a loss of driving purity and an increase in so-called 'clipping'.

"You have to learn a different driving style," Albon admitted. "I don't think it will come down purely to the drivers' talent in the corners. A driver who is intelligent enough will be able to understand the system, and even abuse it, decode how it works to become more efficient."

He acknowledged some of the early criticisms: "There is a bit of clipping or that kind of thing. But next year the package will be a bit more complete in terms of how to get the most out of it. It won't become like Formula E, with big lift-and-coast phases and so on."

As for adaptation, he said: "It's part of the regulations and it's a technology like any other in the end. I think the drivers who will do best are those who will really know how to adapt. We will have to have a very open mind about how to drive these cars."

Despite hopes that the 2026 rules might reshuffle the grid, Albon remained realistic: "I don't think much will change. I don't think the speed of the cars or the way they are driven will change that much."

Asked about the racing spectacle, he concluded: "Honestly, I can't say. I don't think so. I just want good battles, I guess that's what we all want."]]>