While engine performance across manufacturers has largely been balanced in recent years, the 2026 changes could deliver significant, potentially decisive gains. In 2014, when F1 first introduced hybrid engines, Mercedes emerged with by far the best, setting it on course for eight consecutive world championship wins through to 2021.

Andy Cowell knows better than most how Formula 1’s next great power struggle begins – because he’s been on the winning side of it before.

Mercedes v McLaren: The engine battle Toto Wolff 'desperately' doesn't want to lose again