Criticism of the New Energy System

Statements from the paddock make it clear that many competitors are not satisfied with the new rules related to energy saving. One of the first to speak out was four-time world champion Max Verstappen.

“Mad Max” said the new cars feel like “a Formula E car on steroids.” Among the main complaints is the feeling that the vehicles are less safe and that the current system negatively affects the spectacle for fans.

The list of drivers who have expressed concern is long. Many agree that the new energy management system creates unnatural situations during races. Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto, for example, said he ended up making overtakes almost unintentionally simply because the car ahead ran out of energy.

These kinds of situations alter race strategies and lead to maneuvers that the drivers themselves consider artificial. At times, overtaking or being overtaken does not depend solely on pace or skill, but on the energy management of the car—something many believe feels strange within Formula 1.

Safety and Race Pace Under Debate

Carlos Sainz also raised concerns about safety. The Spanish driver said the feeling behind the wheel is not the best and warned that if certain aspects are not corrected, a serious accident could happen at some point. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso pointed out another issue: slow speeds in certain parts of the circuit.

According to the Spaniard, in some corners drivers are going up to 50 kilometers per hour slower than usual because they prefer to save energy to use it on the straights. This situation leads to an irregular race pace and, in the opinion of several drivers, hurts the spectacle.