Williams F1 boss addresses key fear over 2026 regulations

Williams team principal James Vowles does not believe there will be large gaps in the pecking order determined by power unit performance next year. The 2026 campaign will be run under a brand new set of technical regulations, with changes coming to both the aerodynamics and the power units. The engines are undergoing their first major change since the turbo-hybrid unit was introduced in 2014. Mercedes held a distinct advantage for several years with a dominant power unit, winning titles from 2014 to 2021. However, Vowles does not believe there will be a repeat of history in several months' time.  “I don’t think we're going to have the gaps we had in 2014 on power units, to be completely clear,” Vowles told media including RacingNews365 . “I don't think it's going to be anywhere near that amount. “I think power units, up until probably the last three years, have probably dominated most championships.” Vowles highlighted the chassis regulations will be just as vital in creating an advantage to rival teams next year. “What you're saying is, could the chassis be up to half a second difference? Yes is the answer,” Vowles added. “That’s what we're seeing at the moment. There are still lots of goodness that you can consume in that area “Where it falls out. I don't know yet. We're just trying to do our best to get up there.”