Drivers slam 2026 power delivery
Ex‑F1 driver Johnny Herbert warned that 2026 cars’ power delivery is wrecking late‑braking and 'degrading' the sport — a growing critique echoed around the paddock. (x.com)
Johnny Herbert’s comments this week set off a wider paddock chorus, with senior voices and several current drivers publicly amplifying concerns about how the 2026 power‑unit package is changing on‑track behaviour. (fastestlap.com) Under the 2026 technical rules the Motor Generator Unit‑Heat (MGU‑H) was removed and electrical energy recovery is now concentrated in the MGU‑K, forcing teams and drivers to extract most battery recharge through braking events. (thebrakereport.com) Teams’ telemetry from recent races shows lower high‑speed sector figures at circuits such as Suzuka and drivers including Lando Norris have said the new power‑unit characteristics “hurt the soul” as top‑speed and qualifying pace dropped. (planetf1.com) Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc told teams the 2026 package felt “not the most enjoyable” in simulator runs, while Oliver Bearman called the new energy‑management demands “annoying” and “sad” and Esteban Ocon warned drivers are routinely forced to lift early to recharge the battery. (motorsport.com) The criticism hardened after the season opener in Melbourne, where multiple drivers publicly complained about boost‑management and the altered late‑braking dynamics during the Australian Grand Prix weekend. (skysports.com) F1’s governing bodies have scheduled a series of meetings and an April review of the power‑unit regulations — the F1 Commission and the Power Unit Advisory Committee will evaluate possible adjustments and refer any refinements to the World Motor Sport Council. (grandprixwire.com) Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has said the sport must weigh fan reaction alongside driver feedback as those meetings proceed, signalling team‑level engagement while no immediate wholesale rule changes have been announced. (motorsport.com)
