P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Race can exclusively reveal that F1 chiefs will discuss with teams next week the idea of a significant change to the 2026 engine rules aimed at heading off fears about cars running out of energy
According to The Race, Formula 1 officials will meet with teams next week to discuss a potential significant change to the 2026 engine rules to address concerns about cars running out of energy during races. The proposed change would move away from the current 50/50 power split between the internal combustion engine and the battery. The new turbo hybrid power units have raised worries about energy deployment affecting racing, particularly at power-sensitive tracks like Monza. Efforts have been made to minimize the risk of energy shortages, such as implementing a ‘turn down ramp rate’ to prevent rapid energy depletion. A proposal to reduce battery power deployment from 350kW to 200kW for races has been suggested to allow for more consistent energy usage throughout a lap. Reducing power deployment could lead to more overtaking opportunities and prevent drivers from conserving energy during races. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner supports the idea as a means to prevent drivers from resorting to economy runs during races.
