29 replies to this topic

[TheFish]

We have the next set of rule changes taking effect at the start of 2026 and after years and years of only Red Bull and Mercedes winning anything, it feels like it’s a lot more open now and could be in 2026 too.

The situation is that you’re a top driver and every team wants you, you have to pick one for the new rule set with the aim of winning the 2026 title… and the few to follow too. Which team are you picking and why? Trusting in McLaren’s new found form, in Newey, that Ferrari can end their drought finally or with the trusted heavyweights of Red Bull and Mercedes who have won every title for 15 years now. Or do you pick one of the outsiders like Williams and think a miracle is on its way?

[Ali_G]

Mercedes because the Illmor / Merc Power trains team are simply the best in the business.

[DW46]

Heart says Williams / Ferrari, head says Mercedes / Aston Martin. Same reasoning as Ali_G.

Couldn’t move to Red Bull while Horners still there cause I’m pretty, I’d distract him and we’d therefore lose the remaining engineers we had.

[Jackmancer]

Merc I think. Red Bull seems on downward trajectory. Ferrari, no idea. Aston will improve but not sure if they ever win the WC, and if so, I doubt it'll be in 2026 already.

[ArnageWRC]

None of them; I'd rather be a Porsche Factory driver........

[Beri]

Williams. Because its Williams. Id join them any day of the week. Regardless of performance.

[noikeee]

By order of preference:

 

1. Mercedes

2. Ferrari

3. McLaren

4. Aston

5. Red Bull

6. Audi

7. Alpine

8. Williams

9. RB

10. Haas

[PayasYouRace]

I think I’d go with McLaren. They seem to have a handle on how to develop to a budget, and you’d expect Mercedes to not drop the ball on the power. The Mercedes works team would be a second choice, but it seems they relied to much on a massive budget.

[Ali623]

Mercedes - engines are going to become a more prominent factor again in '26 and they have the best track-record with that, are also a works team which I think will have more importance again. If not them, Ferrari.

 

 

Red Bull are an internal mess and no clue how what their PU division will produce, McLaren don't have works status, and too many unknowns right now with AM. Even more so with Audi.

[Benchulo]

If you are not Fernando Alonso or Lance Stroll, then Mercedes.

[TheFish]

Interesting how no one has chosen Red Bull, would have been unfathomable even just a few months ago.

I went Aston Martin, in Newey I trust. Wouldn’t be surprised if it was Mercedes who produce the best package though, been very good at new regs except for 2022.

[Sterzo]

Other, of course. Team Lion would give the best chance of winning the Snetterton 24 hour race. They did it this year.

 

[Nathan]

If I went to Red Bull I'd have the same birthday as my boss and my wife   

 

I'd have to go with Mercedes, but would really hum-and-haw Aston Martin.

[ARTGP]

Aston Martin, Mercedes, or Ferrari.

Edited by ARTGP, 09 September 2024 - 12:48.

[DJH63]

Merc. They know how to build a car and they’ll have the engine.

[AlexPrime]

Mercedes because the Illmor / Merc Power trains team are simply the best in the business.

Aha

[Raest]

Mercedes, will have a good engine and seem to have gotten on top of the ground effect cars. Second choice Ferrari, engine will likely be on par with the Merc one but I don't trust them on the chassis side. Sincerely hope to eat crow on this.

Edited by Raest, 09 September 2024 - 16:30.

[Risil]

I picked Ferrari, I think it would be fun to drive for them and get out of England for a bit

[jwill189]

Mercedes. I fear they will have a monopoly because of its dominate engine again.

[Afterburner]

Spoiler alert: check my avatar.

[Ali_G]

Interesting how no one has chosen Red Bull, would have been unfathomable even just a few months ago.

I went Aston Martin, in Newey I trust. Wouldn’t be surprised if it was Mercedes who produce the best package though, been very good at new regs except for 2022.

I just wouldn’t choose Red Bull given the engine situation. The whispers seem to be very bad with things getting worse.

[Ramon69]

I'd risk and sign for Mercedes, I think the chances of them developing a great package is higher in comparison to the rest if rules are more focused on the engine/PU. I WANT TO BECOME WORLD CHAMPION Dammit !!!!    Not waste my exceptional talent at HAAS! 

[jwill189]

I just wouldn’t choose Red Bull given the engine situation. The whispers seem to be very bad with things getting worse.

 

Because budget is not an issue for Red Bull, couldn't they lease an engine from another manufacturer for 2026 while they continue developing their own? Would that go against the cost cap?

[messy]

I’d go with McLaren. What’s the saying, trending in the right direction?

They’re onto something good. They’ve got good people, they’re making good decisions and they’re building into something special. Their progress vs Red Bull over the last couple of seasons has been astonishing. Mercedes second, but my doubt there is that it took them so long to get on top of these rules, so in terms of major rule changes that’s now a 50% success rate rather than the spectacular 100% it used to be. Red Bull without Newey will be fine, but I don’t think they’ll dominate again, even with Max.

[blacky]

Listening to Vasseur and others: you better choose a works team and enjoy the time until 2026, that everyone is able to win races in 2024 and 2025 with a good car.

Edited by blacky, 10 September 2024 - 06:22.

[PlatenGlass]

I think I'd be a good enough driver to win in any car, in this hypothetical scenario. Which team has the best bunch of guys to hang out with?

[jacdaniel]

Interesting how no one has chosen Red Bull, would have been unfathomable even just a few months ago.

I went Aston Martin, in Newey I trust. Wouldn’t be surprised if it was Mercedes who produce the best package though, been very good at new regs except for 2022.

Red Bull are a complete unknown for 2026. Even a year or 2 back everyone knew that. We knew Honda were leaving and Red Bull would make their own engines.

It’s a ballsy move but probably not something that’s gonna work from day 1. That’s probably the main reason for Newey leaving despite whatever gossip is out there. And Max keeping his options open.

Red Bull seem like the least likely to be successful in 2026.

[sterlingfan2000]

Mercedes u pretty much have overpowered Engine granted

[Risil]

It’s a ballsy move but probably not something that’s gonna work from day 1. That’s probably the main reason for Newey leaving despite whatever gossip is out there. And Max keeping his options open.

 

It's not gossip that Newey left because of the Horner situation, it's been verified independently by AMuS and the BBC with multiple sources: https://www.bbc.co.u...es/cmm3v9ny78eo

[Sterzo]

It's not gossip that Newey left because of the Horner situation, it's been verified independently by AMuS and the BBC with multiple sources: https://www.bbc.co.u...es/cmm3v9ny78eo

I'd split a hair and say it's been reported rather than verified. Without Newey's own words we don't know if it was the sole reason, his main reason, a contributing reason, or a source of annoyance but not significant in the decision.