EXCLUSIVE: Alex Albon reveals shock advantage four F1 teams ‘expect to have’ in 2026 and it’s a nightmare for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari

Alex Albon Warns of 2026 F1 Shakeup That Could Spell Trouble for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari.

In an exclusive interview with SPORTbible, Williams driver Alex Albon has hinted at a looming shift in Formula 1 that could heavily favor four specific teams in 2026—an ominous development for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s future championship ambitions.

Williams have emerged as one of the surprise success stories of the 2025 Formula 1 season, already surpassing double the points they managed in the entirety of 2024.

This dramatic improvement has placed them firmly in the spotlight as a rising force on the grid.

Much of their success can be attributed to the consistent and composed performances of Albon, who has continued to shine even after the high-profile arrival of Carlos Sainz from Ferrari. While the Spaniard was expected to become the team’s figurehead, it is Albon who leads the way with a notable 23-point gap over his more experienced teammate.

Despite Williams’ impressive form this season, team principal James Vowles has made it clear that his long-term focus is firmly on 2026—a year that promises to completely transform the competitive landscape of Formula 1. That season will introduce sweeping changes to both engine and chassis regulations, much like the 2022 overhaul that disrupted the dominance of Mercedes and elevated teams like McLaren and Ferrari.
Albon Shares His Outlook on the 2026 Overhaul

In his conversation with SPORTbible, Albon reflected on the upcoming regulation changes and how they could impact Williams’ trajectory in the sport. “I hope to be at least where we are now as a bottom line,” Albon stated confidently. “I think we can look forward from where we are this year.”
His optimism stems from the belief that Williams, powered by Mercedes engines, could benefit significantly from the new rules. While the regulations will shrink the size of the cars and reduce the minimum weight by around 30kg, it’s the engine side that promises to be the real game-changer.
The upcoming power unit regulations will see a massive 300 percent increase in electrical power from the battery, alongside the introduction of fully sustainable fuel. These changes will force all engine manufacturers to adapt quickly, as they’ll have just one shot at developing a competitive engine before the season kicks off.

Albon believes that this reset could provide a golden opportunity for Mercedes-powered teams. “I think the engine regulations are going to be very interesting,” he said. “I’m hoping there is going to be a benefit from being with the Mercedes power train. I think that’s going to help us out quite a lot.”
Four Teams Poised to Capitalize—Williams Among Them
Currently, only four manufacturers—Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, and Ford (which partners with Red Bull Powertrains and the RB team)—produce their own engines. All other teams, including Williams, are dependent on these suppliers.
Albon emphasized that Williams might not be the only beneficiary of Mercedes’ technological strength. “That being said, we have teams like McLaren, obviously Mercedes themselves, and even Alpine who are joining Mercedes, so there is still going to be a fight in that sense,” he explained. “That’s what I see. I mean, we’ve had a great year so far, but there is still lots to come.”
This group of four teams—Mercedes, McLaren, Williams, and Alpine—could enjoy a strategic edge if Mercedes nails its power unit design. If that scenario unfolds, it could replicate the advantage they held following the 2014 engine regulation changes that launched Mercedes into an era of dominance.
A Worrying Outlook for Hamilton’s Ferrari Move
While Mercedes-powered teams might be preparing for a breakthrough, the outlook is less optimistic for Lewis Hamilton, who made the headline-grabbing decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari in 2025. His highly anticipated move was motivated by the pursuit of an elusive eighth world title, but that dream could be jeopardized if Ferrari struggles to match the power and efficiency of the Mercedes engine under the new regulations.

Ferrari’s 2025 car has yet to show championship-winning pace, placing greater pressure on their 2026 development. The Scuderia will also be responsible for supplying engines to the new Cadillac-backed F1 team, which adds further complexity to their task of building a competitive and reliable power unit.
While there is still time for Ferrari to deliver a strong package, early indicators and Albon’s remarks suggest that Mercedes could emerge as the front-runner once again, potentially leaving Hamilton and Charles Leclerc fighting from behind.

As the sport prepares for a seismic shift in 2026, all eyes will be on the engine manufacturers. If Albon’s predictions hold true, Mercedes-powered teams like Williams may be on the brink of a new era of success—while Ferrari and Hamilton may be staring down a more difficult road than they anticipated.
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