F1's New Power Units: More Overtaking, But Safety Concerns

F1 drivers divided over new engine rules

F1 drivers are split on new engine rules, with some calling it 'a joke' and others praising increased overtaking. Max Verstappen criticizes 'fundamentally flawed' F1 racing amid safety concerns and varying speeds.

F1's new power units bring more overtaking, but drivers question the trade-offs...

Formula 1's top technical experts are meeting in London today to discuss potential tweaks to the sport's new engine regulations. The meeting is expected to focus on energy management, 'lift and coast' strategies, and 'super clipping' issues that have emerged after three races.

The new power units, which split energy roughly 50-50 between electric and combustion power, have presented challenges for drivers and teams. Some drivers, like Max Verstappen, have criticized the regulations, saying they've made racing less exciting. The meeting aims to address these concerns and explore possible solutions, such as adjusting energy harvesting limits or modifying super clipping rules.

The discussion is expected to drag on for weeks, with decisions on software changes and energy equation tweaks likely to take time. There's unlikely to be much immediate news, so it's a waiting game for now.

The new power units, which split power roughly 50-50 between electric and combustion, are throwing up fresh challenges for drivers. They're having to adjust their driving style, easing off the throttle early and coasting into high-speed corners that were once a test of bravery. This is all to ensure the combustion engine can recharge the battery efficiently.

'Super-clipping' is a major issue where energy gets diverted from the engine to the battery, slowing cars down even when drivers are on full throttle. It's a tricky problem that's getting a lot of attention in the F1 paddock.

The sport has a bit of a breather to figure things out, thanks to the postponed races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to regional conflicts. The next race is Miami Grand Prix on May 3, giving teams some time to prep.

“It has been the consistent position of all stakeholders that ⁠a structured review would take place after the opening phase of the season, to allow for sufficient data to be gathered and analysed," the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) said after last month's Japanese Grand Prix.

“A number of meetings are therefore scheduled in April to assess the ‌operation of the new regulations and to determine whether any refinements are required.

“Any potential adjustments, particularly those related to energy management, require careful simulation and detailed analysis,” it added.

The technical experts are meeting today to discuss ideas and options for tweaking F1's new engine rules. A follow-up meeting is scheduled a week later, and then team principals, FIA, and F1 bosses will gather on April 20 to review proposals.

Reaching a consensus might be tough, though - insiders warn that significant changes could be hard to come by, given the various vested interests involved. The proposals will likely be put to an online e-vote, but don't expect a quick fix.

Kicking off the season strong for Lewis! 💪

Will he be able to keep up the momentum for the rest of the season? 😮‍💨#F1 pic.twitter.com/wF5h7L5ISw

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 8, 2026

The drivers have shared their thoughts on the new regulations, and opinions are split. Some drivers are actually liking the new style of racing, while others, like Red Bull's Max Verstappen, are not fans.

Verstappen's been pretty vocal about his discontent, saying the changes have made racing less exciting. It's clear the drivers are passionate about getting this right, and their input will likely play a big role in shaping the final decisions.

The new regs have led to more overtaking, with drivers passing and repassing as they deploy and harvest electrical energy. Sounds like a win, but some drivers, like Verstappen, are calling it “a joke” and saying the racing's “fundamentally flawed.”

Safety's also a concern, with cars cruising at different speeds and potential impacts on qualifying. It's a tricky balance between promoting racing and keeping everyone safe.