Villeneuve bats for bigger F1 grid, says ‘12 teams would be perfect’
As the 2025 Formula One season nears its start at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, teams will be well aware that this will be the last year with the current set of regulations.
The 2026 Formula 1 season will see a significant number of changes, including smaller, lighter, and more agile cars, a new engine formula with sustainable fuels, and a revamped overtaking system replacing DRS.
The major rule overhaul means the grid will have a tough challenge, having to strike a delicate balance between performance, finances and future development.
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According to Jacques Villeneuve, 1996 F1 World Champion, the 2026 regulations will force teams to focus their spending where it matters most.
“At some point, they will have to decide where to put their budget, mainly because of the budget cap. So, even though they bring in more money than they spend, they’re not allowed to spend it,” he stated.
The introduction of a budget cap, which limits the amount of money a team can spend during a season, has forced even the most successful teams to reconsider their strategies.
“If you have a shot at the championship, you have to focus on that because ultimately, it brings you so much for the future,” the former Williams driver said, referring to the prize money teams get based on their season-ending positions in the constructors’ championship.
While teams like McLaren bring in more revenue than they spend, they are not allowed to pour that surplus money into development or exceed the overall budget.
Another aspect that may prove to be critical for McLaren is that of the engine cap. For teams which rely on other engine manufacturers (Mercedes supplies McLaren’s power units), this could prove to be both an opportunity and a challenge.
“McLaren has very little say on the engine because they have the Mercedes engine,” Villeneuve remarked. “They’re not an engine manufacturer. So, it’s not in their hands.”
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While the teams will have their task cut out, the grid is set to evolve in 2026 with the entry of an 11th team – Cadillac – confirmed. Though the announcement has sparked mixed reactions, the former Williams driver is in full support of the idea.
“The more, the merrier,” quipped Villeneuve. “It depends on what kind of team it is. Nobody wants a team that comes in just to be part of F1. That serves no purpose.”
The Canadian feels there is plenty of room to accommodate another team or even two. “Twelve teams would be perfect. It’s more work for the organisation, but the tracks are supposed to have enough space for 12.”
The increasingly stringent FIA guidelines, which include penalties for swearing, have also been a point of discussion during the season break.
The world motorsport governing body introduced stricter rules to ensure drivers maintained a level of professionalism, especially in the presence of younger audiences. Villeneuve, who was known for his colourful comments and honest remarks, weighed in on the change.
“It’s good to be colourful and have a personality. You should still be educated, and I guess that’s why there’s been a clampdown. I don’t know if there should be rules, but the drivers needed a calming down a little bit. They were swearing every five words. You have kids watching, you’re an example.”
(Formula 1 will be broadcast LIVE on FanCode in India)