Drivers say new 2026 F1 power rules reduce Spa speed

A new era of Formula 1 power unit regulations has fundamentally altered the character of the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, drawing sharp criticism from multiple drivers who say energy management has stripped the track of its legendary high-speed challenge. The comments follow the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, culminating in a race on July 19, 2026, where drivers reported dramatic power deficits and a driving experience they compared to junior categories.

The 2026 regulations mandate a 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power, forcing aggressive battery harvesting and "super-clipping." This was particularly punishing at Spa, with its long straights and few heavy braking zones. Drivers reported losing roughly 50 km/h at the end of the Blanchimont corner and about 40 km/h through Pouhon compared to last year's qualifying speeds. The issue is most acute in the middle sector, where depleted batteries leave cars relying almost solely on the internal combustion engine.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who qualified on the front row and finished the race in third place, offered a blunt assessment. He said that for most of Sector Two, the cars are running on approximately 450 to...