Mike Krack warns F1 over the need for ‘drastic steps’ in 2026 chassis rules to work with new Power units

Mike Krack raised concerns about the 2026 F1 chassis rules.

Mike Krack warns F1 over the need for ‘drastic steps’ in 2026 chassis rules to work with new Power units

Mike Krack (image via El Confidencial)

Formula 1 will have new Power units in 2026, with the rules framed together with multiple manufacturers. Audi becomes the latest entrant to the grid as a power unit maker for F1, with Red Bull partnering with Ford to co-develop 2026 PUs. However, many, including Red Bull team boss Christian Horner have raised concerns over the potential 2026 cars. Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack has voiced his worries about the same.

Krack was asked if the upcoming rule change worried the Silverstone-based team. The 51-year-old admitted that not only the British team but all teams should be concerned. He told Racefans, “Yes, it is. It is for all of us.” The Aston Martin team boss believed that the FIA and the manufacturers had formed the 2026 Power unit regulations as they seemed fit with chassis rules to complement the new PUs.

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However, the former BMW F1 Engineer claimed that this would be an uphill task as radical steps might have to be taken to ensure that the rules could work together. Although, Mike Krack was confident that this could work with proper effort into the chassis regulations. Aston Martin will become the Honda Works team in 2026 as the Japanese automaker recommits to the sport.

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The 51-year-old explained, “I think the engine manufacturers… together with the FIA, they made this set of regulations believing that the chassis can follow. And then we have seen that we have to take some drastic steps on the chassis regulations to make it work. But it is technically possible.”

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Mike Krack happy with upcoming Aston Martin-Honda partnership

Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe and Aston Martin F1 Chairman Lawrence Stroll (image via PlanetF1)
Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe and Aston Martin F1 Chairman Lawrence Stroll (image via PlanetF1)

Aston Martin uses Mercedes power units that have been integral to the Silverstone-based team since its Force India days. However, Lawrence Stroll wants his team to fight for the world title in the next few years, As such, a works power units deal was necessary for the British team. After lengthy discussions, Honda agreed to partner up with Stroll’s squad.

Mike Krack was convinced the Japanese carmaker would boost the team’s efforts in 2026. Red Bull’s dominance in recent years has come with Honda power units in the back of its F1 cars. Subsequently, Krack believed that the auto giant would provide the perfect platform for Aston Martin. He explained, “I’m very confident because from what I see Honda is fantastic, they are real racers… They are giving the world championship engine.”

Thus, Mike Krack remains confident that there is much work to be done for the 2026 F1 regulations. Teams and the FIA must frame the perfect set of chassis rules that can suit the new Power units. Although, the 51-year-old claimed that this can be achieved with proper effort. Fans would be eagerly waiting for the finalized 2026 car regulations.

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