Source:REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
[Saba Sports News] In the opening race of the 2026 season, many teams encountered problems during the start phase due to a rather unusual energy recovery rule, but some teams opposed modifying this regulation due to their own interests. According to the current FIA rules, there is a limit on the energy recovery for each lap. At the Australian Grand Prix, this limit is set at 8MJ. The value is recalculated only after the car crosses the finish line. This rule had unexpected effects during the start procedure. Since the starting time line is located after the starting line, some drivers in the front row began consuming and recovering electrical energy during the formation lap and start preparations, which counted toward that lap’s recovery limit.
In this regard, George Russell stated that drivers in the front half of the starting grid, when they accelerate and charge the battery during their start preparations, will have those actions counted against their recovery limit. In contrast, the situation for drivers at the back is different. When they complete the formation lap and cross the finish line, the system recalculates their energy recovery allowance, essentially starting a new lap, giving them more usable energy. Russell hinted that efforts are underway to change this unfair situation.
In the editor’s opinion, the opposition to rule adjustments is partly due to selfish considerations. Some teams that performed well during the start phase, such as Ferrari or teams using their power units, do not wish for the rules to change. Sometimes, decisions are driven by personal interests, which is also part of the strategy in F1.