Former F1 team boss raises regulations complaints theory

Former F1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer has raised a theory as to why complaints have been made about the new regulations, and in particular why some teams have struggled to adjust to them.

New power unit regulations were introduced at the start of the season, consisting of a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrification, resulting in a very different style of racing.

There has been a major focus on energy management, with lift-and-coast techniques required in qualifying under the new rules to complete a lap.

In races, some overtakes have been deemed artificial, particularly when moves have occurred as a result of a driver running out of battery charge.

Things did improve in Miami following several changes introduced by the FIA, with further adjustments expected throughout the season and particularly heading into 2027.

A further change will be made to the power unit split from next year, moving to a 60/40 balance between internal combustion and electrification. Slowly, things are moving in the right direction, but that has not stopped complaints from being made.

Addressing the new regulations and the difficulty some are having adjusting to them, Otmar Szafnauer said on the RacingNews365 Podcast: "It's different from anything we've seen before.

"And from a purist perspective, you always struggle with big changes like that because you think it's impure. But let's see where it goes.

"I think it's probably a combination of the regulation change regarding the usage of the powertrain, plus teams getting to grips with how to use it themselves.

"McLaren are getting closer to Mercedes, and I think at the beginning of this season — which wasn't that long ago — Ferrari were closer. Now it looks like Mercedes have, I don't want to say usurped the field, but established themselves, while McLaren have established themselves as probably the second-quickest team."