Ahead of the Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 race weekend, the Ardennes circuit was already expected to be one of the most demanding tracks in terms of energy management. According to many drivers on the grid, qualifying – which delivered pole position for Kimi Antonelli – confirmed exactly that.
Both Max Verstappen and McLaren drivers have voiced concerns about the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 regulations, suggesting the Spa-Francorchamps circuit will undergo a significant transformation. They describe the future driving experience, particularly in the critical second sector, as akin to handling a Formula 3 car equipped with Formula 1 levels of downforce. This comparison underscores a perceived reduction in power and an increased reliance on mechanical grip, fundamentally altering how the iconic track's challenging corners, such as Pouhon, will be navigated.
Fernando Alonso previously highlighted that the primary issue for drivers is navigating the second sector with minimal MGU-K deployment, leading to a noticeable absence of electric power. This technical limitation results in a significantly altered and less thrilling experience through corners like Pouhon, which traditionally demands maximum commitment. Verstappen elaborated on this, explaining that much of the second sector would rely solely on the combustion engine, producing power comparable to a Formula 3 car despite retaining Formula 1 downforce, thereby diminishing the excitement of driving.
The current F1 power units, when operating solely on the internal combustion engine without MGU-K assistance, generate approximately 540 horsepower. This is notably less than the roughly 620 horsepower produced by the Mecachrome engines utilized in Formula 2, further emphasizing the power deficit F1 drivers will face in Spa's middle sector under the new regulations. While Verstappen's comparison to an F3 car might not be entirely precise, given that F3 cars have around 380 horsepower, his sentiment reflects a considerable change in vehicle dynamics.
Verstappen, while maintaining a humorous tone, acknowledged his reluctance to continually critique the 2026 regulations, feeling that his opinions might not be well-received within the F1 community. He stated his intention to mentally adapt to these changes and make the best of the situation, even if the new driving experience doesn't align with his preferences. He recognized that simply abstaining from racing wouldn't solve anything, underscoring his commitment to doing his best under the evolving circumstances.
The criticisms voiced by Verstappen resonated with other drivers, including Williams' Carlos Sainz and both McLaren drivers. Lando Norris, who had previously noted in China that the challenge of Pouhon would shift away from driver bravery, further elaborated that the fast double left-hander would effectively cease to be a traditional corner. He also highlighted a reduction of approximately 50 km/h through Blanchimont, a view corroborated by his teammate Oscar Piastri. Piastri expressed disappointment, lamenting the loss of Pouhon's character as a great and personally favorable corner, attributing the change to the differing power dynamics when exiting corners with and without MGU-K deployment.
The varied power output, fluctuating between nearly 1,000 horsepower with electric assistance and 550-600 horsepower from the combustion engine alone, presents a substantial challenge for drivers to adjust their approach from one corner to the next. This dynamic shift in performance led Verstappen to characterize the circuit as fundamentally different in 2026. Drivers remain hopeful that the situation will improve as the balance between combustion and electric power is gradually adjusted, with a target of a 60-40 split by 2028, aiming to restore some of the traditional driving excitement.