Before the Formula One season had even started, there was already controversy surrounding the new regulations.
Much of this was related to the engine changes, which were made to attract new engine manufacturers, such as Audi, to the 2026 grid.
Audi had previously argued that if the old engines remained, specifically the MGU-H component, it would be impossible for them to catch up with existing teams and be competitive.
This has led to 50% of power coming from the ICE (internal combustion engine) and 50% from the electrical battery – previously the split was 80:20.
Super clipping
The increased importance of the battery has led to a huge increase in battery management by drivers during every lap. This was straightaway apparent in preseason testing when “super clipping” was first seen.
Super clipping is when a car’s battery is depleted midway down the straights, causing a noticeable loss in power. In Australia, Williams driver Carlos Sainz was seen losing 57 km/h in the lead-up to turn nine, still at full throttle, because his battery was running out.
While the battery’s capacity has been doubled under the new regulations, there is still nowhere near enough electrical energy to prevent super clipping, especially in qualifying when drivers are pushing to the limit.
Slower cars
The cars are also much slower. There have been regulatory changes to the aerodynamics and chassis, so this is not solely because of the new engines.
However, Esteban Ocon has raised concerns that drivers may even have to lift and coast in qualifying to preserve their batteries.
The two Mercedes drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, were the only ones able to lap in the 1.18s on Saturday. Russell was almost eight-tenths quicker than third-placed Isack Hadjar,
Last year, Lando Norris took pole with a 1.15.0, and even seventh-placed Charles Leclerc was within seven tenths of his time.
Yet it could be argued that these gaps are not a slight on the new regulations. Instead, it is a testament to what Mercedes has done. We have always seen dominant cars throughout F1’s history.
Impact on racing
What F1 fans really care about is racing. The main questions for Australia were whether there would be more side-by-side racing and more overtaking.
The main criticism of the 2022-2025 ground-effect era was that the cars were too big and heavy. This made side-by-side racing very difficult, especially on traditional tracks like Melbourne Park, which is fairly narrow.
Cars also produce lots of dirty air, making it difficult for those behind them to follow closely through corners. They were then unable to pass on the straights.
Sunday’s race produced 120 overtakes, when last year’s grand prix saw just 45.
But the integrity of these statistics has been questioned. Max Verstappen started 20th and finished 6th, but said after the race that it was not enjoyable.
“No, not really [I didn’t enjoy it],” he said. “The overtakes were fun, but I’m also racing cars that are two seconds slower.”
The battle for the lead
Before the first VSC, there was also a battle for the lead between Russell and Leclerc. They overtook each other on multiple occasions, but it often looked like they were swapping places.
One driver would drain their battery to overtake, and then the other would easily pass back through on the next lap. This inefficient battery usage also led them to slow down, be unable to escape one another, and allow Lewis Hamilton to catch up.
Super clipping meant that cars with more battery overtook with ease. There were barely any late braking manoeuvres or wheel-to-wheel racing.
Fans hate the word “management”
The most exciting thing about F1 is flat-out racing. This defined the 2021 season, when Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton fought for the title.
Yet what we have seen in F1 over recent years is an increase in the management of other aspects of the car.
In 2010, refuelling was banned, meaning drivers now have to manage fuel. The Pirelli tyres and preference for harder compounds have seen more one-stop races and therefore more tyre management. Now, the increased prominence of electrical energy means more battery management.
The sport is moving further and further away from what it once was.
The FIA have attempted to address some issues but has also created others.
Teams will undoubtedly improve their understanding of the new cars, and that will increase performance. But doesn’t that really mean that they will simply learn how to better “manage” the tools at their disposal?