"As a driver, the feeling is not very Formula 1-like. It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids."
"A lot of what you do as a driver, in terms of inputs, has a massive effect on the energy side of things. For me, that's just not Formula 1."
"Driving-wise, it's not so fun. But at the same time, I also know what is at stake with the team, with our own engine. And seeing the excitement of the people. Of course, when I sit in the car, I will always give it my very best. They know that. But the excitement level is not so high."
The 2026 regulation overhaul introduces power units targeting an approximately 50/50 split between combustion and battery power. The new configuration places strong emphasis on electrical energy management, requiring drivers to recharge batteries under braking and in corners and to deploy energy tactically during races. Testing of Red Bull's new car and power unit at Barcelona and Bahrain has shown that the energy-management focus constrains flat-out driving and increases the impact of driver inputs on energy consumption. The result is a driving experience compared to a higher-performance Formula E, reducing pure driving enjoyment and overall excitement despite team and engine stakes.
Read at ESPN.com
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