F1 teams braced for upgrade 'scramble' in early 2026 race

F1 teams are likely to “scramble” for upgrades in the early part of next season in a bid to make gains in the pecking order.

The sport will see a major regulation change introduced next year with significant modifications hitting both the power unit and aerodynamics. 

With many concepts in place, it is likely that the gaps in the field will be more spread out compared to the deficits seen this year.

Jonathan Heal, deputy chief engineer at Haas F1, believes the opening months of the 2026 season will be an intense period for those focusing on delivering upgrades.

“There are certain things we can do with wings and the architecture of wings and how we do the movement on the number of elements, and things like that,” Heal told media including RacingNews365.

“So there will be some differences in the beginning of the year. 

“And I think there will be a scramble to put early updates on the car based on what we are able to see.”

Haas will enter its 11th F1 season next year, and will once again be powered by Ferrari, who is currently developing its new power unit.

Heal is hopeful Haas can obtain certain information from the Italian squad soon in order to finalise the design of integrating the engine to its chassis. 

“There are certain things we rely on them [Ferrari] to define and to be ready with their definitions,” Heal said.

“We're all engineers, we like to push to the last moment to be able to deliver that.

“Hopefully we can get all the information in time to be able to design our car properly.

“There are certain parts that we rely on them to meet the delivery schedules for us to be able to design our parts, to be able to go with that.”