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Pat Symonds Calls F1’s 2026 Engine Rules a 'Camel' Born of Compromise

He faults a committee-led process for shelving front-axle energy recovery once the MGU‑H was removed.

Overview

  • Symonds says his frustration with the FIA’s growing control over technical rules contributed to his exit from Formula One Management.
  • He contends the new power unit will be energy-limited because a proposal to harvest energy from the front axle was dropped.
  • According to Symonds, one team opposed the front-axle recovery plan and then‑FIA president Jean Todt wrongly viewed it as four‑wheel drive.
  • He acknowledges that removing the MGU‑H helped attract manufacturers such as Ford, Audi and Cadillac, even as Porsche ultimately pulled back.
  • Despite criticizing the engine formula, he praises the 2026 chassis package and active aerodynamics as meaningful steps forward.