Former Formula 1 driver and current Sky F1 commentator, Martin Brundle, supported the idea of rule changes for the category’s new era of regulations following the Australian GP, where drivers were forced to reduce speed on the straights, decelerating and then accelerating again to gain battery energy, a situation he described as ‘crazy’.
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“The race in Melbourne was fun, especially the first eleven laps, but the drivers were literally learning every lap. What frustrates them is that they can be slow in corners like Turn 4 by deploying energy late, but the lost time is recovered on the following straight, creating a counter-intuitive situation and a risk for accidents,” Brundle stated.
The veteran noted that some teams suggested adjustments to the regulations so that cars use less battery energy but for a longer time, eliminating the need to reduce speed or downshift at the end of straights: “This would reduce the risk of straight-line collisions and allow the focus to remain on the sport and the spectacle, which must be the absolute priority,” he said.
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Brundle also highlighted that the FIA has already indicated flexibility to adjust parameters based on experience in the first races, and that the new approach could be applied once there is more clarity after the upcoming circuits: “We don’t need cars with more than 1.000 hp or extreme top speeds, they never look faster than when they are side-by-side. The idea is to ensure exciting and safe racing,” the former driver concluded.
The discussion about adjustments to the Formula 1 rules in 2026 highlights the concern with electric energy dynamics and the need to balance performance, strategy, and safety to keep the spectacle attractive for drivers and fans.
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