The new Formula 1 regulations bring complex energy management – and significantly more radio communication between engineers and drivers during races
The major regulatory changes in 2026 will not only change the technology of Formula 1 cars – they will also make the drivers’ work more complex. Energy management in particular is becoming more important. This also means a significant increase in radio communication between drivers and race engineers.
Several team representatives pointed this out after the first test drives. Above all, the significantly higher proportion of electrical energy in the new powertrains presents teams and drivers with new challenges.
50 percent electrical energy: New complexity in the cockpit
Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer explains how complex the new generation of Formula 1 cars is: “The importance of the electrical component that is now part of the engine—50 percent is electrical energy,” he told Sky. This is precisely what creates a whole new level of complexity for drivers and teams.
“For the driver, it’s all about energy: When do they need to recharge, how do they recharge, and when do they use this energy?“
Problems can arise, especially in the early stages. During a test run, for example, a software problem occurred that initially caused difficulties. The solution was ultimately relatively simple: ”Basically, as is often the case with these devices: turn it off, turn it on, reprogram it—then it works again.”
More radio communication during laps
The more complex energy management also means that drivers need more support from their engineers. Especially at the beginning of the tests, radio communication was much more intense.
“In the beginning, there was a lot of communication with the drivers,” explains Bayer. Only with increasing experience did things calm down. “The driver begins to understand where he can get the most performance.”
This also changes classic driving patterns. Even braking and acceleration points can shift. “Some of the braking points are different,” says Bayer. “For drivers who know last year’s tracks, a lot of the behavior patterns change.”
There is also another challenge: after a fast lap, the driver sometimes has to immediately drive at high speed again to start charging the battery. “It’s more complex,” admits Bayer, but adds: “I have a feeling that it’s working and slowly gaining momentum.”
Simulator becomes key to preparation
This new complexity also makes preparation in the simulator even more important. “We’re trying to spend even more time in the simulator because it’s really all about these processes,” explains Bayer. Drivers and engineers have to learn how to perfectly coordinate the energy flows and processes in the car there.
Simulator technology is also constantly evolving. “The models are getting better every year,” says Bayer. Artificial intelligence is now even helping to further improve the simulations. Ferrari ambassador Marc Gene also confirms that simulator work is becoming increasingly important. One topic in particular has emerged from discussions with the drivers: energy.
“The biggest difference is that there is a lot of feedback from the engineers to the drivers about how they can use energy more efficiently,” explains Gene. Sometimes the engineer even gives very specific instructions: “For example, how to start, where to go full throttle, or how to take a certain corner.”
This can feel unfamiliar to the driver at times. “Sometimes the driver even asks, ‘Why do you want me to do it this way? That’s why some driving behavior doesn’t always seem completely natural.”
Strategy work more important than vehicle development
This has also changed the way drivers prepare in the simulator. In the past, the focus was often on vehicle development, but today it’s more about strategy and procedures.
“Simulators today are not so much used for car development as for strategy development,” explains Gene. This can be crucial, especially on tightly scheduled race weekends.
That’s why drivers now spend significantly more time in the simulator than they used to. Whereas one day of preparation per race used to be the norm, this has now increased significantly. “I remember seeing Charles and Lewis in Maranello a lot,” says Gene. “Much more than last year in the simulator.”