Sadly, it’s all true, and we’ve reached this level: Method 1 is making ready for a radical change beginning in 2026, with the introduction of recent laws geared toward enhancing the spectacle on the monitor via the implementation of an “override” system. Basically, a BoP. The purpose is to create a efficiency balancing system (Steadiness of Efficiency or BoP) to create a man-made efficiency hole between the automobiles, thus facilitating overtaking and protecting competitors alive.
It goes with out saying, nevertheless, that this determination has already sparked differing opinions amongst trade consultants and followers. The purpose is to align Method 1 with new sustainability and leisure wants, however the worth to pay is clearly a contest distorted in its essence.
The guts of the change will probably be a single ECU managed by the FIA, which is able to management the facility and gas consumption of each the thermal and electrical engines of every automotive. The ECU will set a most energy restrict: 400 kW for the thermal engine and 350 kW for the electrical one. Via the override command, the system will be capable to quickly scale back the facility of the main automobile, permitting the chasing driver to keep up excessive energy ranges for prolonged intervals, thus creating velocity variations particularly designed for overtakes.
The adoption of the BoP in Method 1, disguised as a instrument to favor overtakes, represents a historic change, probably second solely to the whole electrification that additionally threatened to reach within the highest class of world motorsport (and whose threat will not be but completely dominated out). This technique, in truth, establishes a regular efficiency restrict, flattening the variations between groups and steering the competitors towards an more and more managed and uniform administration of the automobiles. When you want, you’ll be able to simply label it as a real manipulation of technical values.
This maneuver may even scale back engineering creativity and the individuality (already very restricted) of the automobiles, limiting the house for technical innovation in favor of a Method 1 pushed by electronics and computing.
Allow us to do not forget that, as established in earlier months, from 2026, there will probably be an actual revolution (already decided) relating to the facility models. The brand new laws, additionally specializing in sustainability, will introduce substantial adjustments in power administration and gas utilization. The electrical engine energy will improve to 350 kW, with a battery regeneration capability rising from 2 to 9 MJ per lap.
On the identical time, the thermal engine will bear an influence discount, dropping from 550 kW to 400 kW, whereas gas consumption will probably be restricted by even stricter laws. Moreover, the turbocharging system will probably be diminished, with a turbo stress restrict set at 4.8 bar.
The brand new energy models may even should adapt to lively aerodynamics (the third main novelty of the 2026 laws), which is able to permit real-time changes to the automotive’s aerodynamic setup to optimize traction and power effectivity, however this may even be managed via centralized software program that can restrict the design freedom of the groups.
The conclusions and feedback on these choices may appear superfluous. For many who love motorsport, all of that is bordering on miserable. The times when on-track battles had been genuine and the values of the drivers could possibly be matched with the technical designs of the automobiles in a clear and interesting battle on the monitor are nearly extinct. Definitely, all this additionally is available in response to the necessity to scale back environmental influence, an more and more central theme in motorsport. Nonetheless, it’s professional to ask whether or not manipulating the values on the monitor is actually vital for the said sustainability purpose, or whether or not it’s extra of a advertising technique to keep up public curiosity.
Method 1 (which now solely carries the identify of the game we bear in mind) is more and more changing into a problem of software program and digital administration. And maybe this step (which comes after the architectural restrictions of engines in 1995, the ban on in-season testing in 2009, the introduction of DRS in 2012, and the arrival of energy models in 2014) marks the definitive farewell to the game we as soon as knew.
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
