Amid increasing criticism, Formula One’s new regulations will be reviewed after this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.
Formula One could consider changes to its new regulations, with discussions set to take place after this weekend’s race.
The new 2026 rules have divided opinion across the paddock, with the new power units criticised for being too energy-limited and placing a heavier emphasis on battery management during races.
McLaren’s Lando Norris expressed concerns regarding safety, warning the current situation could pose safety risks. The reigning champion said the way drivers are managing energy and attempting overtakes could lead to incidents if the issues are not addressed.
Four-time World Champion Max Verstappen has been particularly vocal in his criticism of the regulations, comparing the cars to Formula E and urging F1 and the FIA to take action.
“I love racing, but you can only take so much, right?” Verstappen said.
“I think they’re willing to listen, the FIA and F1, but I just hope there is some action. I’m not the only one saying it. A lot of people are saying the same, be it the drivers or the fans.”
FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis told the media the governing body did not want to make a “knee-jerk” reaction, which is why it is waiting until after the next round to review the situation.
“Our intention is after China to be reviewing the energy management situation.”
“We have a few aces up our sleeves on that.”
Not all drivers on the grid share the same concerns, with Lewis Hamilton saying he enjoyed the race in post-race interviews at the Australian Grand Prix.
“I personally loved it,” Hamilton said. “I thought the race was really fun to drive. I thought the car was really, really fun to drive. I watched the cars ahead, there was a good back and forth.”
As reported by Speedcafe, a number of possible changes include raising the amount of power available for energy recovery to help drivers recharge their batteries more easily.
Another idea under consideration is boosting the output of the internal combustion engine to create a better balance between the electric and petrol elements of the power unit.
The second round of the 2026 season takes place this weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit, followed by a race in Japan at the end of the month.
Emma has been on our television screens for over a decade. Most of her time in the industry has been spent at racetracks reporting at major motorsport events in Australia - from TCR and Superbikes to Porsche Sprint Challenge and Supercars. Emma has also hosted various MotoGP and F1 events interviewing the likes of Daniel Ricciardo and Jack Miller. Having previously presented on an automotive show, she made her move to the Drive family in 2020. Fiercely proud of her Italian heritage, Emma is a coffee loving, stylish-black wearing resident of Melbourne.
