Montoya predicts: will these two constructors come up with the best engine in 2026?

A few days ago, Jacques Villeneuve sparked a debate about what could be the best engine on the 2026 grid, with many viewing Mercedes as the favorite for the new regulations, given their dominance from 2014 to 2021 during the hybrid era.

However, according to the 1997 world champion, the Brackley team will not start the season with the same huge advantage as back then, as the other teams won’t be standing still this time.

The same question was put to Juan Pablo Montoya, who on the MontoyAS podcast raised a series of questions: “Much of what happened—because, as we were talking the other day, it’s like this: how are you going to know where the other teams are? How do you know where Audi will be? Where Ford will be? Where Ferrari will be?''

According to the former Formula 1 driver, two manufacturers could have an advantage at the start of the next championship: ''Personally, I’m sure it will come down to Mercedes and Ferrari—whoever comes out with the better engine.''

He then added: “It’s going to be interesting to see if Mercedes, finally, with all the progress they’ve made with this car—from how far behind they were when the sidepods were taken out of the car to where they are today, more competitive—will come out next year with a superior car, or if Honda next year will field Newey’s car and take it all.”

Montoya believes that Newey aims to debut with a winning project at Aston Martin as early as 2026, despite having joined only a few months ago.

“I know Newey is working very hard. He wants to come in and win, and it would be very, very interesting if Honda comes out and continues winning races and championships,'' he finally concluded.