Falcon Simracing: A reset built on calm, chemistry, and consistency

Falcon Simracing head into the 2026 season with a mix of relief, fresh momentum, and cautious optimism. After a year defined by missed deadlines, technical disadvantages, and internal turbulence, team principal Johannes Michl has one key priority: bringing calm back into the team. The 2025 pre-season demanded a lot from Falcon. Due to a late submission, they ended up running the weakest engine, the smallest fuel tank, and a 6-speed gearbox — a handicap that affected them throughout the entire year. On top of that came roster changes and the late integration of Michael Falkenhain, who first had to settle into the team’s structures.

The departure of Jan Wiegels to Horizon Motorsport was another blow. Wiegels wasn’t just quick — he was consistently quick, and an important reference point for Falkenhain. Falcon lost a driver who was there to capitalise whenever others made mistakes. That made the search for a replacement even more important — someone who could grow into the role both competitively and personally. With the return of Jannik Maleika, it looks like they have found exactly that. After a longer break, he is fully committed again and brings huge experience, especially from endurance racing. His overview, strategic understanding, and routine are expected to help Falkenhain turn raw pace into stable results.

Pre-season work has already suggested the chemistry between the two is strong. Michl describes the collaboration as harmonious and productive. Falkenhain — who proved his potential with a pole at Mugello in 2025 — is now expected to take the next step. Maleika, meanwhile, brings the calm and structure the team lacked last year. For Michl, the pairing is an ideal combination of experience and development potential.

The goals for 2026 are deliberately realistic. The league has grown stronger; new teams and top-level drivers have increased the overall depth. Falcon Simracing are targeting a top-five finish in the teams’ standings, and the team principal believes podiums are absolutely within reach. Whether the top three are possible remains to be seen — the key, he says, is finally scoring points consistently. Michl doesn’t want to name a single favourite circuit. The package feels balanced: an all-rounder without major weaknesses, but also without obvious “specialist” tracks.

In preparation, the team rely on close internal collaboration rather than a dedicated engineer. Maleika brings plenty of strategic know-how, while Falkenhain benefits from his overlays and experience. Humour is part of the mix as well — at least if you believe Michl, who laughs that with the guys from the former team Velvet you first “establish a healthy baseline” before things get serious. Behind the joke, though, is a team that works professionally, trains together, and pushes each other forward.

Despite the challenges of the past, the team principal is genuinely excited for the season — not only as the person in charge, but also as a commentator. For him, the community, organisers, and modding team are a central part of the experience. His hope for 2026 is clear: hard but fair battles, exciting races — and, of course, both of his drivers on the podium.

Falcon Simracing start 2026 with a new duo, a calmer environment, and renewed confidence. Whether it will be enough for a big leap forward will be decided on track — but the foundations for a strong year are in place.