The debate over energy management in Formula 1 dominated discussions after the Australian GP, where drivers had to deal with a racing style that requires constant battery monitoring. The 50% power split between electric energy and the internal combustion engine was the target of criticism, as many overtakes began to depend on who had more energy available.
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Williams boss James Vowles acknowledged that the topic is being discussed within the category and revealed that several proposals are already under analysis. “So, there are about four or five different proposals on the table,” he stated. “We’ll go through the next few races, just to see what works and what doesn’t. But stay tuned. I’m sure that, as a sport, we will come together and change in the right way.”
He also highlighted that adjustments could also involve the combustion engine. “There are things we can do with the internal combustion engine as well. It’s just a matter of how extreme we want to be with these measures.” Despite the criticism, the executive called for caution: “I think the worst thing we could do is change and make the situation worse. Therefore, we have to be sure that we are positively affecting the sport.”
Part of the problem, according to him, may be linked to the characteristics of the Albert Park Circuit, considered one of the most difficult tracks for battery usage. The next race will be the Chinese GP, held at the Shanghai International Circuit, which has a long straight of about one kilometer.
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“I’m not sure yet, but are we in a perfect situation? No. I think we are a bit short on energy,” he said. Vowles also defended the quality of the current spectacle. “If you stand trackside, as I did in Bahrain, they are still Formula 1 cars and it is still Formula 1 racing.”
Even so, he admitted that the sport can evolve: “Have we made it too complicated? Yes. But do we have a good Formula 1 product? I still think so.”
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