Vasseur Urges F1 to Plan Ahead: 'We Have to Decide the Future Now'

Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur is calling for Formula 1 to define its long-term future, particularly the 2035 regulations, highlighting the current 2026 overhaul as the sport's biggest engineering gamble in 30 years. He emphasizes trusting Ferrari's internal choices as they build their project on a "blank sheet" amid widespread uncertainty from competitors.

Why it matters:

Ferrari, still chasing a championship after 17 years, views the 2026 regulation change as a pivotal moment to reset and potentially reclaim its winning form. Vasseur's foresight emphasizes that early decisions on future regulations are crucial for F1's continued relevance and technological leadership, ensuring the sport remains appealing and competitive in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

The Details:

• 2026 Regulations: Vasseur describes the upcoming 2026 technical overhaul as the "biggest change in Formula 1 over the past 30 years," presenting both a golden opportunity and a significant engineering gamble.
• Blank Slate for Ferrari: For Ferrari, 2026 is a chance to start "from a blank sheet," allowing them to build their project without direct comparison to current rivals.
• Trusting Internal Choices: Vasseur highlights the challenge of not knowing competitors' directions, stressing the need for "trust in your own choices" and confidence in Ferrari's path.
• Beyond 2026: Vasseur's vision extends to 2035, arguing that decisions for these far-off regulations must be made "practically now." This proactive approach aims to define F1's long-term technological trajectory, especially concerning powertrain options (hybrid vs. synthetic fuels) in an era of rapid automotive electrification.
• Balancing Act: The challenge lies in balancing technological progress with realism, imagining what the automotive industry will look like in 2035 and ensuring F1's decisions align with future trends.

What's next:

While Ferrari's immediate focus is on returning to the top of the podium, Vasseur's long-term perspective suggests the 2026 reset is merely the beginning of a sustained effort. If Ferrari successfully navigates the uncertainties of the 2026 regulations and contributes to shaping a clear technological path for 2035, they could not only secure their own competitive future but also influence the entire sport's direction.