Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Sergio Perez has voiced concerns over the direction of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, echoing remarks previously made by Max Verstappen that the championship risks resembling Formula E under the new technical framework.
Verstappen recently described the new era as “Formula E on steroids” and labelled certain aspects “anti-racing,” pointing to the increasing dominance of energy management in overall performance. The 2026 regulations introduce a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical energy, while battery output has risen dramatically from 120kW to 350kW via the MGU-K, with the MGU-H removed entirely.
Perez returns to the grid after a season on the sidelines following his departure from Oracle Red Bull Racing at the end of 2024. The experienced Mexican driver has joined the newly established Cadillac F1 Team, which has shown encouraging early signs during pre-season testing despite only securing its entry a year ago.
He acknowledged that the Formula 1 he has returned to is fundamentally different from the one he left, particularly in the complexity surrounding energy deployment and harvesting.
“This Formula 1 definitely feels extremely different to what I was used to.”
“It’s the biggest change I’ve had in my career in terms of regulations, and it’s very difficult to figure out what’s going on with the energy, with deployment. All of that is tremendously difficult.”
“A lot of this power unit comes into play much more than in the past, which is not ideal.”
Under the new architecture, drivers must effectively relearn energy harvesting strategies and identify optimal deployment points across each lap. The expanded electrical contribution means overtaking opportunities may increasingly depend on precise battery management rather than pure aerodynamic advantage or mechanical grip.
Perez stressed that he is reserving judgment on whether the racing spectacle will remain compelling, highlighting uncertainty about how on-track battles will unfold under the revised system.
“I want to see how the racing goes because, for me, the main fun is the racing.”
“At the moment, I just don’t know how we are going to be racing. It seems like overtaking may be a little trickier, managing your energy.”
“I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but it could be like Formula E, so let’s wait and see.”
He also suggested that the opening rounds of the season could produce unpredictable or chaotic scenarios as teams and drivers continue adapting to the new power unit dynamics.
“I think it can be chaotic, especially in the first races, with everyone getting to know their power units, the management, when you can use the overtake button, the amount of energy you drain while you’re using it.”
“All of that is very, very tricky.”
With energy deployment now a central competitive variable, the balance between outright speed and strategic battery usage may define early-season outcomes. If adaptation rates vary significantly between teams, performance gaps and overtaking patterns could shift in unexpected ways.
For Perez, the immediate challenge lies not only in re-establishing himself competitively but in mastering a technical landscape that has fundamentally evolved. Whether Formula 1 under the 2026 regulations preserves its traditional racing identity or edges closer to the strategic complexity associated with Formula E will begin to reveal itself when competitive action starts in Melbourne.
Galeri Foto
Baca Juga
Max Verstappen soroti rival gelar F1 2026 saat line-up tes Bahrain pekan kedua dikonfirmasi dan isu teknis memanas.
Liam Lawson menghapus media sosial dari perangkat pribadinya setelah menerima serangan daring usai promosi dan degradasi di F1.
Livery hitam-putih Cadillac F1 2026 menuai respons positif mayoritas fans usai debut spektakuler di Super Bowl.
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Silakan login untuk ikut berdiskusi.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!