F1 2025

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Six junior, test and reserve drivers to feature in Bahrain FP1
Beganovic, Iwasa, Vesti, Drugovich, Hirakawa and Browning will take part on Friday
 
2026 isn't looking too good.

thejudge13.com

Drivers reveal new F1 2026 engines are ‘not good’ - Formula 1

One of the biggest stories in Formula One history is brewing following remarkable comments in China from the FI official in charge of day to day affairs in
thejudge13.com thejudge13.com


www.racefans.net

F1 drivers have doubts over 2026 power units but not convinced by V10s either

Formula 1's new power unit rules have failed to win over all drivers, but they do not necessarily see V10s as a solution either.
www.racefans.net www.racefans.net

Summaries of some the comments in the above articles -

  • Nicolas Tombazis (FIA Single Seater Director): New PUs have been eye-wateringly expensive to develop. A V8/10 using sustainable fuels would come in considerably cheaper while helping to achieve a still greener footprint than what F1 currently has.
  • Ocon: The new power units are ''clipping'' in simulations; cars are unable to maintain top speed as the ICE is expected to function as a battery for the increased electric output the regs require (50-50 split). Turbos at the source of the muted engines, any configuration would sound better without the turbos. He says they should look to the Aston Martin Valkyrie and Ferrari La Ferrari as relevant real-world examples of a NA engine coupled with KERS system as the way forward.
  • Sainz: Doesn't like what he sees, call for the return to V10s is because of how bad things look. Serious reliability issues with the new PUs; doubts over their overall performance and in general he doesn't think the car looks good. Finds it strange that some of the same people who pushed for the new regs are now also calling for changes. The PU regs are a political battleground between the manufacturers based on who has probably gotten it right and who is struggling.
  • Leclerc: New regs do not excite him, believes a return to a V10 would be much better. Concerned about safety, the cars are only 30kgs lighter and 20cm shorter but there have been potential safety compromises for the minimal reduction in car ''bloat''.
  • Piastri: Notes the concerns but says people should be patient before calling it a disaster. Too young to remember the V10s so he has no nostalgia for it but admits it would be cool.
  • Hamilton: When asked about the nostalgia of a potential return to V10s ; “Couldn’t care less, mate, to be honest…”. Probably due to the fact that he is likely retired if it ever happens.
  • Christian Horner: Reiterated the concerns he already raised back in 2023 regards the cars achieving maximum performance. Fears that at some tracks the drivers will have to gear down to increase revs so the ICE can charge the battery. Believes the 50-50 split between ICE and battery is too much, should be shifted more to the ICE.
  • Ferrari and Red Bull/Ford support a swift return to either a V8 or V10. Mercedes are open to the idea. Audi on the other hand only signed up because of what they call the ''electrical challenge'' of the new regs. Honda, who initially returned because of the new regs, have now publicly acknowledged that they are struggling with their PU. If it comes to a vote, Honda could be the decider.
 
Thank God there are two capable mclaren drivers, else it would have been a sht show
 
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