Source:REUTERS/FRANCK ROBICHON
[Saba Sports News] Controversy surrounding the new regulations for the 2026 season is rapidly intensifying. Former F1 driver and current commentator Martin Brundle has publicly stated that the FIA must take action as soon as possible, as the current energy management system on the cars is showing signs of spiraling out of control.
The trigger for the dispute came from a comment by Lando Norris, who revealed that he had overtaken Lewis Hamilton during a race against his own will. Under current rules, the car must be driven solely by the driver, and any uncontrolled power delivery violates this fundamental principle. However, under the current technical framework, the relationship between battery deployment and throttle input is non-linear, leaving drivers unable to fully control the car’s behavior at certain moments. Norris stated plainly that he did not intend to overtake Hamilton, but the system automatically deployed electrical power, forcing him to pass — only for him to lose defensive ability once the energy was depleted.
Such unpredictable performance fluctuations are seen as directly affecting the fairness and safety of the racing. In response, Brundle emphasized that power delivery must correspond directly to driver inputs; otherwise, it not only breaches the regulations but could also pose greater safety risks. He believes the FIA must present a revised solution before the Miami Grand Prix. Otherwise, regulators will face enormous pressure if a serious accident occurs.
In the editor’s view, feedback from audiences on the new rules shows that most fans welcome the closer on-track battles this season, finding the racing more intense and unpredictable. Yet this conflicting situation has complicated rule adjustments: striking the right balance between safety, driver control, and entertainment has become an urgent challenge for the FIA to resolve.