In 2026, the new F1 cars are expected to reach significantly higher top speeds than the current generation, raising some concerns within the FIA. Two circuits in particular have come under scrutiny, with safety-focused measures already being planned.

A few days ago, Toto Wolff’s comments caused quite a stir. When asked about the new 2026 technical regulations, he made a remark that drew significant attention.

''If the full power is called upon, we will scratch the 400 km/h limit,'' the Mercedes team principal stated in conversation with Auto, Motor und Sport.  

Speeds and accelerations so extreme that, if applied to tight, twisty street circuits like Monaco, the cars would reach 350 km/h at the exit of the famous tunnel before the Nouvelle Chicane in full electric power mode, compared to the current 290 km/h.

Energy management will therefore become a crucial component next year, with the FIA planning to allow cars full throttle in proportion to the energy they are expected to deliver, with this proportion varying from track to track.

At Monte-Carlo and Singapore, a mode called Rev1 is expected to be applied, specifically designed to limit the power of the power unit in order to balance performance and safety.

From next year, the outfit will officially be known as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, following Mastercard's arrival as the team’s new title sponsor. The announcement was made on Wednesday during an event in Amsterdam.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown reacting to the announcement stated: “There is no one more important to us than our awesome fans, so I could not be more delighted to enter this next chapter in our partnership with Mastercard with a promise to our Papaya Family around the world: that we will continue to put our fans first, bring them even closer to the team, and offer incredible experiences.''