Nico Hulkenberg believes F1’s engineers will inevitably follow the familiar pattern of trying to find ways to exploit loopholes in the sport’s upcoming 2026 regulations.
Formula 1 teams are gearing up for a seismic shift that will take effect in less than 17 months when significant changes, both in aerodynamics and power units, are introduced as part of Grand Prix racing’s push towards a sustainable future.
The sport’s next-generation designs cars are expected to be 30 kg lighter, more nimble, and feature a substantial increase in electrical power output, despite dropping the costly and complex MGU-H energy recovery component.
But as with every regulation overhaul, Hulkenberg is under no illusion that the new regulations will be foolproof.
Reflecting on F1's history, where engineers have consistently found creative ways to push the boundaries of the regs, the future Audi-Sauber driver anticipates that 2026 will be no different.
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“Obviously teams invest a lot of money into infrastructure, into people, to make a difference somehow,” the outgoing Haas charger told the media recently.
“They push that and then if they [FIA] level the playing field, you can't do much because obviously it's difficult and then contradicts itself, in a way.
“I think engineers, they always find a way. There's so much creativity, and with time, they work the rules, and they will find a loophole and an area where they can get an edge over someone and optimise it."
©FIA
While acknowledging the inevitable process of finding loopholes, Hulkenberg expressed trust in the FIA’s ability to maintain fairness.
“I'm pretty relaxed about it anyway, it's something, I have zero impact on, no power, no say,” he added. “But I trust the process. I trust that FIA and F1 will do the right thing.”
The 2026 regulations will also see a significant shift in power unit technology, with the removal of the MGU-H and an increased focus on electric power.
This move towards electrification has been met with mixed reactions from F1’s teams, but Hulkenberg believes it was a necessary step for the sport.
“Well, it's hybrid but it's still 50/50,” said the 36-year-old. “So we still have 50 per cent combustion engine.
“I think with how the world has changed in the last five years or decades, it was inevitable for F1.
“They had to do the same, to stay up to date, to justify it, you know, with climate change, with all these things.
“I think it had to move in that direction as well. And 50/50 I think it's still a healthy split, it still leaves the door open for e-fuels and all these things in the future.”
As the countdown to the 2026 season begins, the stage is set for a new era of Formula 1. With Hulkenberg's prediction of loophole hunting, it is clear that the battle for supremacy will be as fierce as ever, both on and off the track.
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