– After this year’s Formula 1 season opener in Australia, it seems clear that the regulations need to be improved. The greater dependence on electrical energy is currently shaping the racing action, and the drivers repeated their criticism that the current state is increasingly taking the fun out of driving for them.
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The world governing body for motor sport, the FIA, had already announced a few weeks ago that possible adjustments to the regulations are being examined. A point that Williams team principal James Vowles is now emphasizing once again: “There are about four or five different proposals on the table,” the Briton reveals.
However, a quick implementation is still not to be expected. “If they come, then after China,” says the experienced team principal, although changes to the regulations are unlikely to be implemented before the third race in Japan (click here for the 2026 Formula 1 calendar). ()
“We will look at the next few races and really see what works and what doesn’t,” Vowles adds. “But keep an eye on that. I’m sure that as a sport we will come together and make the right changes.”
Vowles: “We want to be at a better point”
“When you stand at the side of the track – as I did in Bahrain – they are still Formula 1 cars and we still have Formula 1 races,” says the experienced engineer, emphasizing that the action hasn’t changed that much from the outside. “Those are the facts.”
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“Before we went to Bahrain, we all said: ‘Are we at the right point? No. Do we know exactly what we need to change to make it better? No. Let’s let these two races run, including a sprint race, and then actively change the rules so that we are in a solid position afterwards.'”
“I’m not sure yet, but are we at a perfect point? No,” the Williams team principal knows that there is certainly cause for adjustments. “I think we have a little too little energy, and you have to keep in mind: this is probably one of the three worst tracks in this regard.”
It had already been suspected beforehand that the drivers could run out of juice in Australia, which is why Albert Park is considered a special case. “But regardless of that: Is this what we want to show as a sport? No. We want to be at a slightly better point.”
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Which changes are conceivable in the near future
Several approaches are currently being discussed. One possibility would be to increase the so-called “super-clipping” (Explained: The Formula 1 terms of the 2026 season) from 250 kW to 350 kW. This would mean that a larger proportion of the energy generated at full throttle is fed into the battery instead of going directly to the rear wheels.
Although this would also reduce the top speed at the end of the straights, it could at the same time reduce the need for drivers to lift off the throttle early and coast before braking zones, i.e., the so-called “lift-and-coast”.
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“There are also things we can do with the internal combustion engine,” Vowles hints that other solutions are on the table that are likely to be discussed in the near future. “The only question is how extreme we want to go with these measures.”
“The worst thing we can do is change something and then make it even worse,” the Williams team principal warns against hasty decisions. “That’s why we have to make sure that we actually improve the sport – and there are ways to achieve that.”
Too complicated, but still a good product
Whether that is enough to achieve a satisfactory result for drivers, teams, and fans in the end? Max Verstappen had already hinted that it might be too late for subsequent adjustments. Vowles reminds us that Melbourne is one of the “three worst tracks in terms of energy.”
“It could be just as bad in Shanghai,” the engineer adds. “That’s exactly what I want to see and observe how it develops. In Suzuka, for example, it won’t be as bad. So we will just make sure that what we deliver continues to be a sport – and one that people enjoy watching.”
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However, Vowles is certain about one point: Formula 1 has become too complicated. “Basically, we have to be honest about that,” the Williams team principal admits. “But do we still have a good Formula 1 product? I still think: yes.”
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