P1racenews AI automatic summary:
RacingNews365’s technical analyst Paolo Filisetti takes a deeper look at how the new F1 regulations have resulted in a major change to how drivers downshift.
The opening week of testing in Bahrain has revealed the significant impact of the electrical charging capacity of current power units on Formula 1, expanding its influence to how drivers approach their craft beyond just performance.
Drivers, including Max Verstappen, are now using strategic downshifting techniques to extract more charging potential at points on the circuit previously unimaginable with older power units.
Red Bull has become a leader in this approach, aligning their techniques closely with the characteristics of their Red Bull Powertrains unit.
Rival teams believe this energy recovery advantage gives Red Bull nearly a full second advantage on straights, with extended electric deployment compared to competitors.
Verstappen has expressed concerns about the direction F1 is heading, feeling that the energy management requirements are making it more like Formula E than traditional F1 racing.
Lewis Hamilton has criticized the complexity of Ferrari’s system, suggesting it goes against the principles of maximizing on-track performance in a competitive manner.
