The transition in Formula 1 to power units where electrical energy and traditional internal combustion contribute nearly equally has brought about widespread changes, affecting the entire vehicle structure beyond just the engine compartment.
An additional outcome is a significant surge in the demands placed on drivers, both prior to and during competitions. This is due to the fact that unlocking the full capabilities of these new power units will necessitate clever mechanical configurations and dynamic driving adjustments throughout each lap. A primary reason for many drivers’ initial criticisms of these new rules stemmed from early simulator analyses indicating a depletion of electrical power even on relatively short straight sections.
While these anxieties have somewhat subsided, the effective management of the hybrid system will still demand significant adjustments. This understanding explains Red Bull’s considerable optimism regarding the upcoming transformation, as the team believes Max Verstappen possesses the unique ability to oversee energy allocation proficiently while pushing the car to its absolute limits for optimal lap performance.
Red Bull’s driver consultant, Helmut Marko, remarked last season that this aspect represents a significant edge for their team. He suggested that drivers must skillfully and intelligently deploy the energy from the battery, and noted that one particular driver excels at both high-speed driving and strategic thinking, which he anticipated would prove beneficial.
Ben Hodgkinson, the director of Red Bull Powertrains, elaborated on this topic during the reveal of the team’s new car design.
Hodgkinson informed a group of journalists, including those from Autosport, that Max’s true contribution under these new regulations would become apparent once he begins driving the car on the actual circuit. He acknowledged that Verstappen has already provided valuable feedback from simulator sessions. Given these new rules, the energy recovery system (ERS) contributes substantially to the power unit’s overall performance, offering various tactical deployment options.
Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing Team Principal
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
He also expressed his belief that drivers will face considerably more tasks, needing to make numerous decisions and execute complex strategies.
In the preceding regulations, the ERS-H component, which both recovered thermal energy from the turbocharger and utilized some of that power to reduce turbo lag, played a significant role in the vehicle’s energy recovery capabilities. Its exclusion from the 2026 specifications removes a part that was challenging and costly to develop, and its complexity was perceived as a barrier for new entrants to the sport.
However, the absence of the ERS-H mandates that a greater proportion of power must be reclaimed by the ERS-K, which captures kinetic energy from the rear axle that would typically be lost as heat during deceleration. Consequently, this will necessitate increased ‘lift-and-coast’ driving techniques and a higher probability of drivers selecting lower gears during cornering, potentially influencing the car’s stability at the rear.
A further outcome of the revised power unit regulations is the integration of adjustable aerodynamic systems designed to lessen air resistance on straight sections. Nevertheless, this ‘Straight Line Mode’, as it’s designated, introduces secondary implications that drivers will need to address, including not only potential instability during mode activation and deactivation but also subtle factors like tire heat.
The extent of aerodynamic downforce to be shed when operating in Straight Line Mode will become a crucial setup decision for drivers, a choice that will vary depending on the specific circuit.
Consistent with other top-tier champions, Verstappen exhibits an exceptional cognitive capacity; operating the car at its peak performance level is almost subconscious, allowing him mental freedom to perceive his surroundings, even while simultaneously handling a volatile rear end. His observation in the 2024 Qatar race, through his rear-view mirror, that Lando Norris had not adequately reduced speed for a yellow flag, exemplifies this skill among many others.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20, Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Furthermore, Verstappen consistently demonstrates sharp technical judgment, for instance, advocating for a reduced-drag configuration at Monza the previous year. In fact, Red Bull’s strategic shift under the leadership of new director Laurent Mekies towards an engineering-focused methodology, incorporating more of Verstappen’s feedback, significantly contributed to his impressive resurgence toward the end of the previous season.
Hodgkinson underlined that Max is expected to provide them with a substantial edge in this area, stating his belief that Verstappen’s capacity to process information accurately while traveling at extremely high speeds is truly unparalleled globally. He concluded by expressing eagerness to witness what Verstappen achieves with this capability.
