According to reports, Formula 1 is getting ready for a meeting next week to talk about a significant rule modification supported by Christian Horner, which would eliminate a significant component of the 2026 rule changes.
The principal of the Red Bull Formula One team has expressed his support for the suggested engine strategy, which attempts to allay worries about the new vehicles’ potential energy depletion.
According to the proposal, the sport would abandon the 50/50 power share during races that was scheduled to be implemented the following year since the internal combustion engine (ICE) and battery, which have been a key component of the 2026 regulations, already seem to be raising issues.
While the new regulations were supposed to enforce the 50/50 split between the ICE and battery, a new idea has proposed reducing the battery power deployment from the current 350kW to 200kW for races in order to increase the ICE/battery power ratio to 64/36. F1 cars currently operate on an 85/15 split between the ICE and battery.
Red Bull CEO Horner has backed this proposal amid worries about the lack of power affecting lengthy straight tracks, where power is essential for both the driver and the spectators to enjoy an exhilarating show.
The sport would lose the thrill that has made it so well-liked worldwide if a car ran out of energy during a lengthy straight at a power-sensitive track like Monza or Spa, two of the most famous locations on the current calendar.
Horner supports F1 2026 regulation pivot
Following concerns over the power change next season, F1’s governing body, the FIA, have made efforts to amend the rules to avoid the issue of insufficient power, including a ‘turn down ramp rate’ which prevents cars burning all their energy too quickly coming out of a corner.
According to The Race, not every 2026 manufacturer has been convinced by the suggested tweaks, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff stating that he would prefer to assess the 2026 cars after they have been seen in action.
In an effort to reduce the likelihood of problems in races next season however, a proposal has been put forward for discussion at next week’s F1 Commission meeting to introduce a major change to the new regulations.
The 50/50 power split between the ICE and battery is said to be staying for qualifying sessions in 2026, but the idea has been floated to alter this approach for grands prix races.
The concept of dropping battery power down from 350kW to 200kW for races has been supported by Horner, who said he thinks it will help avoid drivers having to be on economy runs.
Speaking to The Race, Horner said: “What we desperately want to avoid is a situation where drivers are lifting and coasting from halfway down the straight.
“That will frustrate the drivers. It will be bad for the spectacle of out and out racing. The FIA have all the info, and waiting until the start of next year to do something is arguably too late. We’ve still got eight months to sort things out.
“I think the FIA have obviously started to see something that concerns them, and it’s only right that they address it with plenty of time, which there still is, in time for next year’s rules introduction.”
