P1racenews AI automatic summary:
One F1 team boss has detailed the ‘scary’ new element to qualifying that the 2026 rules will introduce…
Formula 1’s 2026 cars will heavily rely on harvesting and deploying battery power for laptime performance, as recent Barcelona test observations expose a critical vulnerability in the cars’ energy management. Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu warns that small errors in outlaps could significantly impact qualifying efforts and grid position. Komatsu emphasizes that improper energy deployment could cost a driver up to half a second per lap, shaping the grid early in the season. The challenge lies in managing battery usage efficiently during outlaps without compromising tyre warm-up, traffic avoidance, and timing delta requirements. Stricter regulations mandate a cautious approach on accelerator usage to avoid unnecessary battery consumption, creating a complex balancing act for drivers. Barcelona simulations highlighted the crucial impact of the final sector’s approach on subsequent qualifying performance, underscoring the meticulous precision required in energy management for optimal results.
