Formula 1 @lemmy.world LCP @lemmy.world 2w ago

Ayao Komatsu Warns Proposed 2026 Rule Change Could Spell Doom for Small F1 Teams Like Haas

motorcyclesports.net 2026 Rule Change Could Spell Doom for Small F1 Teams Like Haas, Warns Ayao Komatsu

The Formula 1 paddock is heating up over a potential rule change for the 2026 season, and Haas boss Ayao Komatsu isn’t holding back. A proposed regulation that would require teams finishing fifth or higher in the Constructors’ standings to produce all components in-house could, according to Komatsu,...

If the rule passes, any team finishing fifth or higher would need to develop all components themselves with a three-year lead time, a task Komatsu argues would be impossible for smaller teams.

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9 comments

The proposed rule in question:

A proposed regulation that would require teams finishing fifth or higher in the Constructors’ standings to produce all components in-house
- Is the complete proposal available to us anywhere?
  Because this article isn't clear about if the proposal means the top 5 teams will have to produce their own power units themselves as well.
  
  Eh from what I understand it's everything but the power unit. So suspension, gearbox etc that now one customer team could buy from someone (and they usually do since the rear end of the car is highly integrated)
  
  Huh, I wonder why they would propose that rule.
  
  I’d place a large bet on it being Aston Martin, Alpine and Audi/Sauber proposing it. It’s a massive advantage to them over RB and Haas because RB and Haas are beating them using parts bought from RBR and Ferrari respectively.
  
  By proposing this rule those teams stand to benefit greatly from some of their largest competition being nerfed for performing too well.
  
  Alpine will buy their suspension from Mercedes going forward. So definitely not in their interest. The others maybe, I could see that.
  
  Technically yes, but they still have the staff to do it and could get them back. Of all teams they have comparatively little to lose from this.
  
  RBR will just share their data with RB so the Faenza team can just design of that. Instead of working entirely from scratch. Red Bull has the funds to work around these kind of restrictions. It’s mostly Haas that will be fucked if these regulations come to fruition.
  
  There is no data transfer between RB and RBR. This has been clarified multiple times and the FiA closely monitors what data is shared.

9 comments