The new power unit regulations have brought significant change not only to the on-track action but also to how the teams operate.
Liam Lawson has disclosed a significant change in the operating procedures of Formula 1 teams this season due to the new power unit regulations. These new regulations, with a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrification, mark the most significant regulatory shift in the sport’s history. Consequently, there have been notable adjustments in how each team approaches races. While in the past, teams like Racing Bulls focused on setup, downforce levels, and suspension, their main priority now lies in efficiently managing the new engines. Teams are now primarily concerned with running the power unit, managing energy, deploying it optimally, and incorporating lift-and-coast strategies to maximize performance. According to Lawson, the emphasis has shifted from fine-tuning the car’s mechanical aspects to maximizing the potential of the power unit, which offers substantial gains in lap time.
