FIA's rule tweaks unexpectedly boost Mercedes. Honda faces power output struggles, while Mercedes appears set to exploit the new regulations.
Formula 1's 2026 regulatory overhaul has drawn widespread criticism from multiple drivers, including world champions such as Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso. The situation has become so serious that a retirement from the four-time Dutch champion has not been ruled out.
In response, the FIA moved to adjust the engine regulations. Mercedes has since demonstrated a clear performance advantage over its rivals, reigniting debate over whether the team will again dominate the championship with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
With the changes now in place, questions have arisen about which teams will be most affected. Journalist Mark Hughes offered his assessment in comments published by F1inGenerale: "If Honda's internal combustion engine lacks sufficient power output, hitting 350 kW could prove difficult.
"They will need to spend more time in Superclipping mode than others. Mercedes, by contrast, will manage it efficiently and consistently. That said, confirmation will come from the on-track data this weekend.
"In theory, these changes in Miami could favor Mercedes' power units. Even so, nothing will be certain until the cars are back on circuit," he said.
When is the next F1 race? The Miami Grand Prix ends a four-week break.
The cancellation of two Middle Eastern rounds has left an unexpectedly long gap in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar. The season ground to an unplanned halt after the Japanese Grand Prix, when the FIA confirmed that the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix had been canceled due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
With both events off the calendar, the entire month of April passed without a single race — a four-week stoppage that few had anticipated at the start of the season. For teams, drivers, and fans alike, it is an unwelcome interruption at a moment when the championship battle is only just beginning to take shape.
The next scheduled race is the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, set to take place from May 1 to 3 at the Florida circuit in the United States. While unconfirmed, there are reports that plans are being made to reschedule the two canceled events later in the season — potentially slotting both into the final month to create a dramatic four-consecutive-weekend climax to the championship.