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FIA Locks 2026 F1 Engine Spec as It Targets ‘Unnatural’ On‑Track Behavior

Regulators will manage the bigger electric share by adjusting energy limits, ramp rates and venue‑specific harvesting rather than altering engine hardware.

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Overview

  • FIA single-seater chief Nikolas Tombazis said new provisions will ensure cars do not decelerate on straights or force drivers to lift off to manage energy.
  • The 2026 power‑unit hardware specification is fixed, with no changes planned to the engine or electrical architecture.
  • Rule fine‑tuning will use levers such as turn‑down ramp rates and variable permitted energy harvesting by track instead of a fixed 8.5MJ per lap.
  • Simulator feedback from drivers including Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon and Lance Stroll warns of higher cockpit workload as the electrical share moves toward a 50:50 split.
  • Sebastian Vettel voiced doubts over the new package, questioning rear‑axle‑only energy recovery and warning against repeating the cost and complexity seen in 2014.