Overview

• The FIA has proposed cutting race battery deployment from 350kW to 200kW, shifting the combustion engine/battery power ratio from 50/50 to 64/36 for the 2026 season.
• This change aims to address concerns about insufficient energy harvesting at high-speed circuits, which could leave cars underpowered on long straights.
• Red Bull supports the proposal, with Christian Horner emphasizing the need to avoid drivers lifting and coasting, which would harm the racing spectacle.
• Mercedes opposes the move, with Toto Wolff criticizing the proposal as premature and unsupported by race data, calling it a “joke.”
• McLaren has expressed cautious openness to minor adjustments, stressing the importance of balancing performance and racing quality under the new regulations.