MINARDI: “2026 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, RELIABILITY AND FUEL DECISIVE IN THE FIRST RACES”

We are approaching the first round of the 2026 World Championship with a lot of curiosity, but also with a lot of unknown factors and some inevitable uncertainties. In my opinion, whoever manages to take advantage of reliability in the first few races will be able to build an important lead for the whole season. In fact, beyond pure performance, it will be reliability and the quality of fuel adopted that will be the two key factors in the first phase of the new cycle. The engine will be the protagonist and there could be significant differences in terms of horsepower between one fuel and another.

Between Barcelona and Bahrein, we saw days of testing that were less complicated than I expected, even if we do not know precisely what was tested and in what way. For this very reason, it is impossible to venture a ladder of the forces in the field. Only Melbourne will be able to give us a real snapshot of the situation.  However, it is obvious that Aston Martin is currently lagging behind and struggling compared to the others.

As was predictable, with such a radical change of regulations the engineers have chosen very different solutions. We will see who has interpreted the regulations best. In contexts such as this, the balances established up until last season ca be completely overturned, anything really can happen.

Among the variables in the race, we must also consider the mistakes by drivers, who are called upon to adapt to a new style of driving. Even we viewers will have to get used to new scenarios which are not easy to interpret and decide. But, as with any new development, patience is needed before making any definitive judgments.

Before our next appointment next week, I would like to welcome Mario Isola as the Managing Director of ACI Sport. I was personally involved in this choice, and I am proud of the arrival of such an important figure who represents a further step forward in the development of Italian motor racing, I am delighted to accompany this phase of transition from 2 January to 30 June  ahead of the official inauguration on July 1.

Gian Carlo Minardi