Alpine cool concerns over 2026 engine power loss

Alpine Interim Team Principal Bruno Famin has cooled concerns that have been raised over the 2026 Power Unit regulations.

Concerns from Formula 1 teams were raised amid simulations which saw drivers having to slow suddenly and downshift on straights due to the battery regeneration required.

The new cycle of regulations will see an increase in electrical power, with a 50:50 split between the electrical output and the internal combustion engine.

The regulations have intrigued a number of manufacturers, with six currently signed up for the sport's new era, including the arrival of Audi and a return for Honda.

F1 responded to the teams' concerns by highlighting their complaints were based on data that was months out of date compared to the FIA's own findings.

F1 will also have new chassis regulations in 2026, which Famin believes will be pivotal to the outright performance of the cars.

“I think we all share the concern,” Famin told media. “We are all working - Formula 1, the FIA, the teams, the PU manufacturers - to find the right final regulation for the cars.

“I think the energy management, we can still work on that in the coming months. There is no hurry.

“What I have to say is that, now the PU technical regulation has been officialised quite a long time ago, one and a half year ago almost, all the PU manufacturers are working hard.

“They have made already very important choices in terms of the way we want to go, the technology we want to develop.

“Changing now won't be a good thing. It's not acceptable, clearly.

“But I'm convinced that we will find a way with the chassis technical regulation to make good cars, good sport.”