Italian GP tipped for mad 'MotoGP-style' race with F1 2026 cars
Formula 1 teams are preparing for a chaotic Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where the 2026 car regulations are expected to make slipstreaming a critical and potentially problematic tactic. Experts warn that the combination of battery energy management and aerodynamic drag reduction could lead to intense, 'MotoGP-style' tactical games during qualifying.
Why it matters
The introduction of new technical regulations often creates unpredictable racing dynamics, which can significantly alter the competitive landscape of the F1 season.
Formula 1 Italian GP tipped for mad 'MotoGP-style' race with F1 2026 cars Jon Noble, Josh Suttill 03 Sep 2026 — 5 min read Formula 1 figures are bracing for the potential of a particularly wild Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza, as slipstream is expected to massively impact both qualifying and the race.
Aston Martin trackside chief Mike Krack has forecast "a record of all times" in terms of overtaking in the grand prix, while 22-car Q1 - due to the massive benefit of towing and complexities of energy strategies - is particularly at risk of being dominated by the efforts to catch a slipstream.
F1 is heading to one of the most challenging venues for the new turbo hybrid 2026 cars, with Monza's long straights meaning cars are going to run out of battery energy easily.
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