Overview

• Charles Leclerc said his first run in Ferrari’s Maranello simulator with the 2026 car was “not enjoyable,” highlighting a lack of downforce and heavy energy harvesting requirements.
• Under the new regulations, power output will split equally between battery and combustion systems, raising concerns over energy management and on-track performance.
• The FIA has approved rule changes that let it limit harvested energy from 8.5MJ to as low as 5MJ per lap at venues where recovery strategies prove excessive.
• Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has also voiced reservations about the 2026 regulations but remains open to further development in the coming months.
• Lewis Hamilton is set to test the revised 2026 model in the simulator soon as teams work to refine the biggest power-unit overhaul in F1 history.