F1 could introduce a major modification to the new regulations relating to powertrain, which will come into force next year.
The new engine regulation cycle was confirmed several years ago, but concerns remain as to the negative impact that these new powertrain could have on races in 2026.
A major concern seems to have been raised concerning the recovery of electrical energy and the deployment of batteries, which would not be as important as hoped initially.
The F1 should increase to a 50/50 distribution between the heat engine and the power power next year, an increase of 300 % compared to the current impact of the battery.
On circuits like Monza or Baku, where the speeds are raised for long periods, it is feared that the pilots will fall out of energy at mid-line.
A proposal should be presented at the meeting of the F1 committee next week to introduce a significant modification.
The proposed modification would maintain the 50/50 distribution between thermal power and the electrical power for the qualifications, before the impact of the latter is reduced for the race.
-The power of the electric motor, which will be 350 kW, would be reduced to 200 kW for the Grand Prix, thus creating a distribution of two thirds / one thirds in favor of the heat engine, while thus guaranteeing a more constant power throughout the Tour.
However, the new manual overtaking mode, introduced to facilitate overruns, would remain at 350 kW when activated by the pilot.
Nobody yet knows who proposed this change on the agenda of the next meeting. But, without surprised, this change was welcomed favorably by Christian Horner, director of the Red Bull team, while Red Bull is preparing to launch his very homemade home next year (with Ford).
“We absolutely want to prevent the pilots from raising their foot and riding a free wheel from the right mid-line. This would frustrate them. It would be detrimental to the race show. The FIA has all the information, and waiting for the start of next year to act is undoubtedly too late. We are still eight months old to settle the situation.”
But not everyone supports the proposal. Starting with Mercedes F1, the team that would be most in advance with its 2026 engine.
Toto Wolff therefore swept these concerns with a backhand, declaring that “F1 should stick to the result of the last engine meeting, rather than trying to predict the future.”
“I think we could react fairly quickly in the event of a problem. But I think it is once again a political game, based on assumptions and opinions. No data supports these concerns. It is therefore only one opinion among others.”
