Author Archives: PressBox

McLaren sporting director Andrea Stella publicly urged major changes to Formula 1 power unit regulations, calling for higher fuel flow to raise internal combustion engine (ICE) power, much greater electrical energy harvesting from roughly 350 kW toward 400-450 kW, and larger batteries to rebalance harvesting versus deployment. Stella asked that revised power-unit hardware and rules be finalized within two years, effectively by mid-2028, framing the request as a McLaren push to shift the balance between hybrid systems and ICE power ahead of the next rules cycle.

Multiple sources and technical analysts warned the substantive hardware changes face long lead times and design constraints, saying higher fuel flow would force larger fuel tanks and likely chassis redesigns. Manufacturers and teams have largely planned to retain their 2027 chassis, which makes meaningful implementation before 2028 unlikely.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem signaled interest in a return to V8 engines in the next rules cycle, and McLaren driver Lando Norris joked that teams should consider ‘getting rid of the battery.’

F1 stakeholders agreed in principle to rebalance internal-combustion engine and energy-recovery system power for the 2027 power-unit rules, shifting roughly 50 kW of nominal power from ERS deployment to the ICE by allowing higher permitted fuel flow and reducing ERS deployment.

At an online meeting the FIA, team principals, Formula One Management and representatives of the five power-unit manufacturers outlined the package and said changes trialed at the Miami Grand Prix informed the proposal, improved on-track competition and did not produce material safety concerns.

Power-unit manufacturers must formally vote on any refined proposal and the World Motor Sport Council must complete an e-vote before rule changes are ratified. Detailed technical discussions will follow.

The FIA amended its 2026 power unit regulations by expanding the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities, or ADUO, regime to give lagging manufacturers extra dyno hours, additional upgrade windows and cost cap allowances. The change inserts a new greater-than-10 percent performance deficit tier into the existing sliding scale that already covers deficits above 2, 4, 6 and 8 percent.

Manufacturers measured more than 10 percent behind can access an additional $11.0 million, up from $8.0 million, plus 40 extra dyno hours. They also receive a one-off inaugural-season $8.0 million allowance, creating a potential $19.0 million uplift that the FIA treats as a downward adjustment against the cost cap. The $8.0 million 2026 allowance is structured as a loan to be repaid across 2029 through 2031 under the updated rules.

Reporting windows were revised to reflect the lost Bahrain and Saudi rounds, with period one covering rounds 1–5 (ending in Montreal), period two running through round 11 (Hungary) and the final period running through round 18 (Interlagos). The change was prompted by early reliability and vibration problems that harmed performance and durability for Honda when supplying Aston Martin, and Honda is viewed as a likely beneficiary. Teams and rival manufacturers cautioned the system must guard against “leapfrogging”, critics warned the move risks manufacturer-specific assistance and a precedent for future entrants, and figures including Toto Wolff raised concerns about targeted remedies. Observers also noted the loan structure and the policy’s design raise questions about long-term parity and whether similar interventions could recur for other manufacturers.

An onboard clip showed seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton raising his middle finger at Alpine driver Franco Colapinto after a first-lap collision at turn 11 in the Miami Grand Prix. The contact ran Hamilton wide and damaged his Ferrari SF-26, which Ferrari said reduced downforce and hampered the car’s performance for the rest of the event. Hamilton recovered to finish sixth.

The FIA chose not to impose a reprimand or fine for the gesture, and the lack of retrospective sanction drew criticism and comparison with earlier penalties. Commentators labeled the gesture unsporting and many fans defended Hamilton.

Dani Juncadella publicly accused the FIA of inconsistent treatment, noting he had received a suspended €5,000 fine for making the same gesture at the WEC season finale in Bahrain and pointing to Max Verstappen’s community-service order for swearing during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. Juncadella said he did not think Hamilton’s behavior was right but argued any penalty should match what he received and suggested a €2,000 fine as a fair outcome.

Pundit James Hinchcliffe warned the next two rounds were crucial if Hamilton hoped to match teammate Charles Leclerc after being outpaced in Miami, and Hamilton abandoned Ferrari’s simulator ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.

Former F1 driver and pundit Juan Pablo Montoya urged regulators to discipline Max Verstappen after Verstappen’s on-record criticism of Formula 1’s new regulations. Speaking on the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Montoya called the comments “disrespectful” and said they had “crossed a line.” He told officials to “park him” and to add “seven, eight points” to Verstappen’s Super Licence, saying drivers may dislike new rules but must “respect the sport.” Montoya also argued that tangible sanctions would change how high-profile drivers message their objections and suggested Verstappen’s public remarks could be influenced by his team.

Verstappen had likened the 2026 cars to “Mario Kart” and described the new rules as “Formula E on steroids.” Those remarks were among the most vocal criticisms alongside comments from Charles Leclerc and Lance Stroll, who called the rules “fundamentally flawed.” The debate followed concerns that some overtakes were influenced more by deployment strategy than by on-track performance, an issue highlighted by incidents involving Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton in Japan. The FIA and Formula 1 disclosed refinements during a five-week break and teams introduced tweaks ahead of the Miami race aimed at improving starts and wet-weather safety, changes that appeared to improve racing in Miami.

The exchange has sharpened a wider dispute about enforcement and reputational risk as Formula 1 prepares for major regulatory change. Commentators and former drivers offered differing views. Montoya framed the matter as both a disciplinary and reputational issue and advocated penalties that could escalate to race suspensions. Damon Hill said fans appreciate outspoken drivers. The episode underscores growing tensions between drivers and governing bodies over how rule changes are discussed publicly and what disciplinary measures are appropriate.