At this stage of the season, many of the Formula 1 teams will be switching focus to their 2026 cars.
The 2026 F1 season will throw up a big regulation change, with teams now having to face changes to both the chassis and the power unit for the first time.
There have been some concerns over whether the 2026 engines will provide enough power by teams, following points raised over the distribution of the electrical and combustion elements.
Ferrari has already started to shift some of their staff to next year’s car to ensure they are competitive, but a few other teams will also follow suit.
Discussing next year’s rules on Sky Sports F1, former driver Nico Rosberg revealed what he’s heard about Mercedes’ progress so far.
Nico Rosberg reveals Mercedes is now significantly focused on 2026
F1 teams were able to start work on next year’s cars as early as January this year, with Aston Martin’s Adrian Newey said to be fully focused on 2026 while helping with their 2025 troubles in his lunchbreaks.
Rosberg revealed that Mercedes have now allocated the majority of their resources to the 2026 season, as we reach the halfway point of the season.
“I heard that 75% of the resources for Mercedes are already on next year. We are already in June now, there is not long to go in this season,” said Rosberg.
Mercedes want to be winning titles again
Rosberg was part of Mercedes during their success in the early days of the hybrid era, having won the title in 2016.
Ten years on from his triumph, Mercedes are no longer regular contenders for wins and championships but the 2026 ruleset represents an opportunity to return to that form, according to Rosberg.
“It’s a very hard trade-off because there is a lot of money in it, finishing either second or fourth in the Constructors’ Championship makes a big difference. And there is still a long year ahead, but I’m sure next year, everybody resets.
“It’s the biggest opportunity in the last five years to really jump ahead and become a dominant force again and winning titles, which is where Mercedes wants to be.”
Mercedes will be hopeful that they can turn their 2025 car into a race winner so they can shift full focus to 2026; otherwise, it could impact their development if they need to use up extra wind tunnel time
