P1racenews AI automatic summary:
OPINION: The start of Formula 1’s new power unit regulations has already caused uproar among drivers, putting major pressure on the sport and the FIA to find a way to get its stars back on side.
Formula 1 is indeed facing an identity crisis as indicated by the negative feedback from drivers and prominent figures in the sport regarding the new power unit regulations. Despite the move towards a 50-50 split between electrical power and internal combustion, along with the introduction of sustainable fuel for 2026, concerns over the direction the sport has taken remain prevalent. The push towards electrification and the elimination of the MGU-H have stirred debates among drivers, leading to discussions about a possible return to V8 or V10 engines in the future. The initial worries expressed by drivers during simulator sessions may have been downplayed as F1 and the FIA decided to proceed with the new regulations as planned. While some drivers like Lando Norris have voiced support for the changes, others such as Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Max Verstappen have been highly critical, likening the new formula to Formula E. Verstappen particularly highlighted the challenges of energy management and the impact on driving style, questioning whether these elements align with the essence of Formula 1.
