Source: REUTERS/RULA ROUHANA
[Saba Sports News] F1 will undergo significant regulatory changes in 2026. In this regard, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur stated that some teams are expected to race passively next season to gain more wind tunnel testing time in 2026. Vasseur revealed that the potential reason for this situation is the FIA’s aerodynamic testing regulations, abbreviated as ATR (aerodynamic test rules), which were introduced in 2021 to provide more testing resources to lower-ranked teams to ensure they do not fall behind in competition. According to ATR, the allocated testing time for each team is reset every six months; the previous year’s team standings will determine the testing time allocation from January to June, while the rankings from the start of the new season to June 30 will determine the allocation for the second half of the year. In simple terms, the lower the ranking, the more time allocated; the higher the ranking, the less time. Given that the regulatory reform in 2026 can be described as revolutionary, those who can quickly understand and adapt to the new rules may gain an advantage in the coming years. The most direct and effective method is undoubtedly to gain more wind tunnel testing time. Therefore, it may lead some teams to abandon the 2025 season and focus on preparing for the 2026 season.