Formula E CEO claims F1 getting ‘heavier and slower’ with 2026 rules
Formula E, CEO Jeff Dodds claims the new F1 regulations would likely make the cars much heavier and slower compared to current rules.
Follow Us
F1 2026 chassis render (via Formula 1)
The 2024 Formula 1 season will be the second last until the sport enters into a new set of regulations starting from 2026. This will see the introduction of new power units that will have 50% internal combustion and 50% electric energy. This makes the sport a blend of two sources of power. However, Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds criticized the new regulations, claiming it will not last long.
As the 2026 season would introduce the car having 50% fuel and 50% electric power, Formula E CEO, Jeff Dodds expressed the uncertainty of how effective this change will be in the long run. He explained his concerns that having two different types of energy in the car, fuel and electricity, might create problems with the car’s weight and power balance. This could make it challenging to maintain high performance and efficiency. However, these regulations was influenced to attract new manufactures to the sport.
In 2026, F1 will go 50/50, but I don’t know how much further it can go because of the weight/power ratio that comes with having two different energy sources in the car.Jeff Dodds told RacingNews365
Further, Jeff Dodds expressed concern that Formula 1 teams and drivers likely don’t want heavier and slower cars. He believed that adding more weight to the cars, especially with the new 50/50 energy mix, could have led to slower lap times. Since speed is crucial in F1, this extra weight would make the sport less appealing and lose the audience.
I don’t think they are interested in getting heavier and going slower, so I don’t know how much further it can go.Jeff Dodds added.
Jeff Dodds praises Formula 1 for taking the step to reduce CO2 emissions
Jeff Dodds stated that he fully supports efforts of F1, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which is crucial for the environment. He recognized that using electric fuels and hybrid technology is one way they can achieve this goal. But this also comes with a drawback for the pinnacle of motorsport. Because, these changes might make things more challenging for Formula 1, as they could complicate the sport’s traditional approach.
I will never criticize anyone for trying to reduce the impact of carbon dioxide emissions in the world, and one of the ways they are trying to do that is electric fuels and hybrids.Jeff Dodds stated
Therefore, Dodds believes the shift to greener technologies might create obstacles in future. However, it also shows that F1’s technology is on the right path to contribute towards helping the environment.
In case you missed it:
- Helmut Marko admits Red Bull finding it difficult to retain key personnel due to F1 cost cap
- Lewis Hamilton claims he’s ‘refreshed and ready to go’ in his final 10 races for the Mercedes F1 team
Stay Updated!
Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)