How F1's energy deployment headache and high fuel costs might affect 2026
We know big changes are coming for F1 in 2026, but there are still a few bones of contention. Worries about lift-and-coast as well as the cost of sustainable fuels remain on the table
With the possible exception of the new 1.5-litre formula for 1961, it feels that there's never been an upcoming regulatory change as contentious as the plans afoot for 2026. Nobody seems to be very happy – or, in this case, the teams don't seem to be very happy with Formula 1's upcoming new era.
Let us rattle through the complaints that have surfaced from various sources over the past couple of seasons: the drivers will have to lift and coast at the end of straights, engines will have to be mapped to charge the battery in corners, the names 'X-mode' and 'Z-mode' are stupid (okay, that was me), the weight target is too ambitious, it's going to be too dependent on engine manufacturers, there's no mechanic for manufacturers who are behind to catch up, and the cars won't have enough downforce. Let's add a new concern to that list: sustainable fuels are too expensive.
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