Bahrain – Formula 1’s pre-season testing has been overshadowed by concerns surrounding the sport’s fresh engine regulations for 2026, but F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali is urging calm, stating that solutions are being actively pursued. The issues stem from the significantly increased reliance on electrical power in the new power units, coupled with largely unchanged battery sizes and the removal of the MGU-H energy recovery system. This has led to teams grappling with energy management challenges and drivers exhibiting unusual driving behaviors to optimize lap times.
The F1 Commission met on Wednesday to assess data from the ongoing testing at the Bahrain International Circuit and agreed to further evaluate the situation. While acknowledging the complexities, Domenicali expressed confidence that the issues can be resolved before the season opener in Melbourne next month. The core of the problem lies in the fact that the new regulations have tripled the power delivered by the electrical component of the engine, creating an energy deficit that teams are struggling to overcome.
Drivers have reported needing to adjust their driving styles in ways that feel counterintuitive, including lifting and coasting during qualifying laps and not accelerating at full power at the end of a lap to conserve energy. Despite these challenges, initial feedback on the handling characteristics of the new cars has been largely positive, with drivers noting improved ride quality and stronger initial acceleration. Several top drivers have indicated to BBC Sport that driver skill will remain a crucial factor, even with the new regulations.
“Don’t be worried about the energy management. We’re going to solve that. If we need to solve it, by the way,” Domenicali said, emphasizing the commitment to addressing the concerns. He has been actively engaging with drivers, including Max Verstappen, to gather feedback and understand their perspectives. “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. Max will be part of the future of Formula 1 and of course it’s very important that we listen to him and all the top drivers that are very important in this sport.”
Energy Recovery System Complexity
The shift to a 50/50 theoretical split between electrical and internal combustion engine power has introduced a new level of complexity to energy recovery. The removal of the MGU-H, which previously recovered energy from exhaust gases, has placed greater emphasis on the MGU-K, which harvests energy under braking. The MGU-K is now expected to deliver 350kW of power, a significant increase from the 120kW of the previous generation of power units, as detailed by The Race. This increased electrical power comes with a new “overtake mode,” designed to replace the Drag Reduction System (DRS), allowing drivers within one second of the car ahead to gain an extra 0.5MJ of energy for the following lap.
Expanding the F1 Spectacle
Beyond the technical challenges, Domenicali also discussed plans to enhance the fan experience, particularly on Fridays. F1 is exploring the introduction of new sporting elements, building on the success of sprint-race weekends, which feature two qualifying sessions and a shorter race on Saturday alongside the traditional Grand Prix on Sunday. Domenicali has previously indicated a potential increase in the number of sprint events beyond the current six. “Feedback from the fans, from the people attending the track, the promoter, [is] that people want to spot action, real action during the three days,” he stated. “People want to see already on Friday something that is sporting – qualifying, points, whatever This proves.”
The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, has been actively working to refine the 2026 regulations, with the F1 Commission agreeing on refinements that will now be presented to the World Motor Sport Council for approval. Formula 1’s official website reports that the discussions focused on car characteristics, power unit performance, aerodynamics, overtaking opportunities, tires, and mechanical grip.
While concerns remain regarding energy management, the initial assessment of the new cars’ handling has been positive. The focus now shifts to analyzing the data collected during pre-season testing and implementing necessary adjustments to ensure a competitive and exciting start to the 2026 Formula 1 season. The FIA and F1 are committed to working collaboratively with teams and power unit manufacturers to address the challenges and deliver on the promise of the new regulations.
The next step involves a further meeting to assess the data and determine if any short-term action is required. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how these adjustments shape the future of Formula 1 racing. Share your thoughts on the new regulations and the pre-season testing in the comments below.
