Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, is assessing data from recent testing to determine whether adjustments to the 2026 power unit regulations are needed, following concerns raised about energy management during on-track sessions. The issue centers on the significantly increased electrical power component of the fresh engine design, coupled with largely unchanged battery capacity and the removal of a key energy recovery system.
The 2026 regulations, approved in 2022, aim to increase the hybrid element of the power unit, with electric energy intended to comprise 50% of the total power output – 350kW. Though, teams have encountered challenges in consistently deploying this power throughout a lap, particularly on circuits known for long straights. Drivers have been forced to adopt unconventional driving techniques to optimize energy usage, including lifting and coasting during qualifying laps and modulating acceleration at the end of laps.
“Don’t be worried about the energy management. We’re going to solve that. If we necessitate to solve it, by the way,” said Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, following discussions with drivers in Bahrain. Domenicali highlighted a conversation with reigning world champion Max Verstappen, stating, “Max wants and does care about Formula 1 more than anyone else. He has a way of putting the point that he wants to say in a certain way.” He added that Verstappen “will be part of the future of Formula 1 and of course it’s very critical that we listen to him and all the top drivers that are very important in this sport.”
One potential refinement under consideration is reducing the electric power contribution to 200kW on certain power-sensitive tracks – including Jeddah, Monza, Baku, and Las Vegas – or potentially across all circuits. This adjustment, however, has met with skepticism from some engine manufacturers, who question whether such a significant alteration can be classified as a “minor refinement” as permitted by the regulations. The FIA has granted itself the scope for these minor refinements to address the risk of cars depleting battery deployment before the end of long straights.
Despite the energy management concerns, drivers have generally reported positive feedback on the handling characteristics of the new cars, emphasizing that driver skill remains a critical factor. The F1 Commission met on Wednesday to review the testing data and will convene again to decide if further action is required.
Beyond the power unit regulations, Domenicali also indicated that Formula 1 is exploring new sporting elements for Friday sessions, building on the format used for sprint-race weekends. These could include additional qualifying sessions or points-scoring opportunities, aiming to increase fan engagement throughout the race weekend. F1 is also considering expanding the number of sprint events beyond the current six. “Feedback from the fans…is that people desire to observe action, real action during the three days,” Domenicali stated. “People want to see already on Friday something that is sporting – qualifying, points, whatever It’s.”
The FIA has definitively ruled out a return to V10 engines or any naturally aspirated powertrains, reaffirming its commitment to the 2026 power unit regulations. Five power unit manufacturers will be present on the grid in 2026: Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull Powertrains, Cadillac, and Alpine.
