Christian Horner claims F1 teams to ‘smash it all up’ with 2026 rule change

Christian Horner reckoned that the 2026 rules will shake up the entire pecking order in F1.

Christian Horner claims F1 teams to ‘smash it all up’ with 2026 rule change

Christian Horner (Via: Imago)

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, claimed the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 regulations will harm the competition and disrupt the current system. Horner believed this will impact the overall sport and will change it’s landscape.

Christian Horner anticipates that the 2026 Formula 1 season could be a chaotic one, expressing it as a ‘smash up’. He explained how the 2023 season was a unicorn, suggesting that such exceptional seasons are not in the rules of F1. Max Verstappen had shattered several records last year. Horner reckoned, Formula 1 typically features strong teams, talented drivers, and intense competition as regular characteristics of the sport. However, the Briton acknowledged that stable regulations often lead to a convergence of performance among teams.

2023 was a unicorn, and this is normal. This is Formula 1, and it’s normal there’re great teams, great drivers, and competitions. And with the benefit of stable regulations, it always converges.
Christian Horner said, as reported by motorsportweek.com
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Christian Horner observed that currently in Formula 1, there is a trend where teams are getting closer in terms of performance. The distance between fastest and slowest teams is reducing. He reckoned, the changes planned for the 2026 season will disrupt this trend. The 50-year-old said, these new regulations will smash it all up means disrupt things and potentially create more difference again.

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That’s what we’re seeing at the moment, everything converging, and then we’re going to smash it all up for 2026.
Christian Horner stated

Christian Horner claims Red Bull fighting ‘really hard’ for wins in F1

Christian Horner highlighted, currently winning in F1 was challenging, and they’ll need to work extremely hard to achieve success. This requires everyone in the team, including the drivers, to perform at their absolute best. The 50-year-old stated, In Formula 1, this level of competition and demand for excellence is considered normal and expected. Horner reckoned, only the most skilled and dedicated teams and drivers can consistently succeed in Formula one.

We’re having to fight really hard for the wins at the moment, we’re having to be on the top of our game as a team, and the drivers have to be at the top of their game as well.
Christian Horner explained
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)

Horner reflected on the current state of the sport, noting that teams like Red Bull are approaching success. He anticipated that the 2025 F1 season will be very exciting season for fans and teams across the grid, from the front runners to those in back. The Englishman suggested, that while 2025 promises excitement, the 2026 changes could significantly change how competitive Formula 1 is, making its future uncertain.

So just as we’re getting there, and I think probably looking ahead to next year already, next year should be an exciting year for everyone, just from first to last. I think it’s going to be exciting. But then that’s all going to go in 2026.
Christian Horner added

Certainly, Horner is concerned about the upcoming regulations of 2026 will disrupt the sport, he show’s worries about the impact of new regulations thereafter. Red Bull fans are hoping for another good performance from their drivers in Austria, as it’s their Home race the coming weekend.

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