Former Formula One driver and expert Karun Chandhok believes that the team with the strongest engineering and hybrid power unit development will emerge on top in the 2026 F1 season, the first full campaign under the sport’s updated hybrid regulations. Chandhok told News18 that as teams adjust to new technical rules, meticulous engineering execution will be the biggest differentiator — even more than driver skill alone.
The 2026 regulations aim to make the sport more competitive and sustainable by placing greater emphasis on hybrid power units and aerodynamic efficiency. Chandhok said that while fans often focus on racing drama and driver duels, the behind-the-scenes work by engineers will ultimately determine which teams consistently fight at the front of the grid. get more insights on 10cric.
Engineering Versus Driving Talent
Chandhok pointed out that when regulations change significantly, teams with deeper technical resources and development cycles tend to adapt faster. He said that mastering the new hybrid systems’ integration with chassis and aerodynamics will be vital for lap-time gains and reliability — two factors that can’t be overlooked even by the most talented drivers.
“We’re entering a phase where the synergy between electrical and combustion power, battery deployment, and cooling systems will define success,” Chandhok explained. Engineering teams that optimise these complex systems while maintaining performance and durability will give their drivers a critical edge in race conditions, he added.
What Fans Should Watch
For fans following the 2026 season, Chandhok said it will be fascinating to see how established teams like Mercedes F1 Team, Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Ferrari leverage their engineering strength against emerging challengers. The early races of the campaign could reveal which teams have unlocked the performance secrets of the new hybrid formula.
Chandhok also noted that fans should pay attention to race strategy calls, tyre performance data, and in-race energy deployment — all areas where engineering insights directly influence on-track results.
A More Competitive Future?
The renewed focus on engineering excellence could lead to closer competition, Chandhok suggested, as teams find new ways to extract performance within the updated technical framework. With hybrid technology now central to F1’s identity, the 2026 season promises to be both a technical showcase and a thrilling sporting spectacle.