Spa 2026 debate grows over F1 energy systems

Reports after Spa say drivers and teams are questioning 2026 power-unit energy management, with Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen among those raising concerns.

Reports after Spa-Francorchamps indicate growing concern over Formula 1’s 2026 power-unit energy management. Autosport and Motorsport.com both reported that Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen were among the drivers criticising how self-learning systems can influence performance, with the discussion centred on energy deployment rather than any confirmed rule change.

Motorsport.com reported that Spa’s long straights and fast corners made the issue more visible because the circuit offers few opportunities to recover energy. Autosport also reported that McLaren suspected Oscar Piastri’s gap to Lando Norris at Spa was linked to power-unit algorithms rather than driving alone. Piastri is sixth in the 2026 drivers’ championship on 92 points, one point ahead of Verstappen in seventh.

Autosport and Motorsport.com further reported that McLaren team boss Andrea Stella described the topic as difficult to analyse, while Verstappen said more drivers were now recognising the problem he had raised earlier. Autosport also reported that Gabriel Bortoleto took a different view and argued Formula 1 had not lost its appeal despite the complaints.