P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Former Williams boss Jost Capito has explained why Max Verstappen’s greatest asset is causing the Dutchman to be dissatisfied with F1’s new rules.
As F1 gears up for the opening race in Melbourne, Jost Capito, former Williams team principal, suggested that the 2026 power unit regulations may pose challenges for Max Verstappen, though they could also play to his advantage. Verstappen has been vocal in his criticism of the new rules, but Capito believes his race intelligence could give him an edge. The shift towards a 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power is expected to increase the importance of energy management and battery deployment in races and qualifying sessions. Capito hinted at possible adjustments to the ratio but emphasized the need to kick off with the new setup. He highlighted the significance of strategic development over pure speed and cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions from pre-season testing in Bahrain, refraining from naming a favorite for the upcoming season. According to Capito, the true competitive landscape will only become clear during qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix.
