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F1’s new engine rules are under scrutiny after just three races, with drivers like Verstappen calling them “a joke” as the FIA begins a crucial review of energy management issues.
(Credit: AFP)
Could we be finally witnessing some change?
F1’s top technical minds are set to meet in London on Thursday to review the sport’s new power unit regulations.
After just three races under the sport’s radical new power unit regulations, the FIA has triggered a structured review to assess what’s working and what clearly isn’t.
The proposed talks mark the first in a series of meetings aimed at assessing whether tweaks are needed to the sweeping engine changes introduced this year.
What’s The Problem?
At the heart of the debate is the new hybrid engine — roughly a 50-50 split between electric power and internal combustion.
While it sounds like a step toward sustainability, it’s brought unexpected complications to the track.
Key issues expected to dominate discussions include energy management, ‘lift and coast’ tactics, and ‘super-clipping.’
Drivers are now routinely forced into ‘lift and coast‘ — easing off the throttle earlier than usual to recharge batteries — even into corners that were once flat-out tests of bravery.
Then there’s ‘super-clipping‘, where energy is automatically redirected from the engine to the battery. The result? Cars slowing down on straights despite drivers pushing flat out.
Racing Impact and Driver Concerns
While the new system has increased overtaking, with drivers leapfrogging each other based on energy deployment, it has also drawn criticism.
Some drivers are on board. Others… not so much.
Max Verstappen has been among the most vocal critics, calling the racing ‘Mario Kart’ and ‘fundamentally flawed.’
There are also safety concerns, with cars running at significantly different speeds due to varying energy states, particularly affecting qualifying sessions.
No Quick Fix Expected
The FIA has already urged patience.
“It has been the consistent position of all stakeholders that a structured review would take place… to allow sufficient data to be gathered,” they said after the Japanese Grand Prix.
“Any potential adjustments, particularly those related to energy management, require careful simulation and detailed analysis.”
A follow-up technical meeting is scheduled next week, with team principals and F1 leadership set to convene on April 20. Any proposals could then be put to an e-vote.
With the April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia cancelled due to regional conflict, F1 has a rare window to evaluate the changes before the next race: the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
(with Reuters inputs)
April 08, 2026, 11:41 PM IST
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