Ross Brawn weighs in on F1 engine regulations and Hamilton's Ferrari future

Ross Brawn has returned to the spotlight to address the mounting tension regarding Formula 1's future power unit regulations, while also casting his gaze toward Lewis Hamilton’s impending tenure at Ferrari. The legendary strategist, who was instrumental in crafting the current set of sporting regulations, suggests that the current "engine row" is a necessary growing pain for the 2026 reset, but warns that governance must remain strict to prevent a manufacturer monopoly. He believes that while the technical debates are fierce, the ultimate goal must remain a level playing field that allows talent to shine through machinery.

Why it matters:

As F1 prepares for a massive regulatory overhaul in 2026, the balance between innovation and cost control is fragile. Brawn's intervention comes at a critical time when teams are divided over how to equalize performance between new and existing power units. Furthermore, his insight into the Hamilton-Ferrari partnership offers a unique technical perspective on how the seven-time champion might integrate into the Italian team's structure, particularly as they aim to build a car capable of leveraging the new regulations to challenge Red Bull's dominance.

The Details:

• The Engine Controversy: The current dispute centers on the mechanisms for equalizing performance among manufacturers for the 2026 rules. Brawn emphasizes that while the regulations are designed to be closer, the FIA must hold firm on the testing and homologation protocols to ensure a fair playing field.
• Hamilton's Timeline: Brawn specifically highlighted the significance of Hamilton's "second season" at Ferrari. With the Briton joining in 2025, his second year (2026) coincides perfectly with the introduction of the new power unit regulations.
• Technical Synergy: The expectation is not just for Hamilton to drive, but to influence the development direction of the 2026 car. Brawn believes Hamilton's experience in merging with a new engineering team—similar to his move to Mercedes in 2013—will be crucial in turning Ferrari's challenge into a title-winning effort.

Looking Ahead:

The convergence of Hamilton's arrival and the new regulatory era presents a rare opportunity for Ferrari. Brawn’s comments suggest that while 2025 may be a transitional year, the 2026 season is where the Scuderia expects to strike. If the engine regulations are managed correctly and Ferrari can extract the maximum from their driver lineup, the sport could be on the verge of one of its most competitive periods in history.