2026 Rule Change Could Spell Doom for Small F1 Teams Like Haas, Warns Ayao Komatsu, and…

As Formula 1 prepares for significant technical and financial rule changes in 2026, there are growing concerns that these changes could lead to a widening gulf between the sport’s biggest teams and smaller outfits, such as the Haas F1 Team. Ayao Komatsu, an experienced motorsport analyst and former technical director, has voiced his concerns, suggesting that the new regulations could spell disaster for smaller teams that are already struggling to stay competitive in an increasingly expensive sport.

In 2026, F1 will introduce a new generation of hybrid power units (PU), which promise more power and efficiency but come with drastically increased costs for development and maintenance. The new rules require manufacturers to incorporate a 100% sustainable fuel system, while also lowering the number of components teams can use during the season. These changes are expected to increase the technical complexity of the PUs, further elevating the barriers to entry for smaller teams.

Komatsu argues that the combined effect of these changes could push teams like Haas to the brink of financial instability. “The large teams, with their extensive resources and partnerships with major manufacturers, are already in a privileged position,” he said. “The smaller teams, such as Haas, who rely on the support of a single manufacturer or have limited in-house engineering capabilities, will struggle to keep up with the development pace required by these new power unit regulations.”

Haas, currently the only U.S.-based F1 team, has already faced challenges in recent years. Despite having a close relationship with Ferrari, which supplies their power units, the team’s ability to compete has been hindered by financial constraints, limiting their capacity to develop and upgrade their car mid-season. With the new 2026 engine regulations, which will require both significant investment in new technology and the hiring of top-tier engineering talent, the small team may find it even harder to keep pace with the more established competitors.

Komatsu also warned that the increased reliance on sustainable fuels could drive up costs even further, making it more difficult for teams with fewer resources to operate sustainably. With such a heavy emphasis on innovation and technical prowess, smaller teams may simply not be able to afford the investment needed to remain competitive in the sport’s top tier.

In the face of these daunting challenges, F1’s governing body, the FIA, will need to find a way to ensure that smaller teams have a fair chance to thrive as the sport moves into its next chapter.