Elbon: Piloting new machines in the simulator is not easy.

      In 2026 drivers will have to adapt to next‑generation cars that will differ significantly from the ones they have been racing for the fourth season. These cars will be powered by entirely new power units with a more powerful and efficient hybrid system, and, according to Alex Albon, the process of driving them will require greater psychological strain.

      This is partly because the driver's role in optimally using the power unit’s energy will increase noticeably. If the hybrid system currently delivers around 120 kW, next year that figure will grow almost threefold.

      “After Monza I drove next year’s car in the simulator, and it wasn’t easy,” Motorsport‑magazin.com quotes the Williams driver as saying. “It now requires very serious psychological strain, which is related to the need to understand which approach to working with the power unit will be most effective.

      Perhaps the team simply wants my expectations to be lower. In particular, I was asked to drive a virtual model of Silverstone, and that is actually one of the most demanding circuits in terms of energy use. And now I understand what effort that requires.

      Achieving the necessary stability proved difficult. However, at the moment we are only learning how everything works. Different power unit manufacturers have different approaches to developing the hybrid system, and significant differences will be associated with that, but the point is that these systems should allow drivers to rely on their intuition and achieve stability on track.

      Any team that manages to provide its drivers with machinery that allows them to perform at 99% of their potential will achieve very good results.”