Ferrari warns: “Miami circuit difficult for energy management”

The fourth race of the season, but it’s as if it were the first. After over a month of chatter, we’re finally getting serious again. Formula 1 resumes the 2026 season this weekend with the highly anticipated Miami GP. The Florida race, in addition to all the glamor that surrounds it, is eagerly awaited by fans because it will represent a sort of second season opener given all the adjustments to the technical regulations introduced by the FIA ​​and F1 after the numerous discussions and controversies following the first three rounds. A challenge for Ferrari Carlo Bussi, responsible for the performance of the power unit at Ferrari, presented the first American round of the season and gave a summary of all the elements that have been modified by the federation’s intervention: “Starting from Miami – explained the Ferrari engineer – the overall electrical energy available in qualifying has been decreased and the power of the automatic charging in straight lines increased, so as to reduce the need for the drivers to release the accelerator before braking. At the same time, the procedure preparation for the timed lap has been simplified and the behavior of the hybrid system made more flexible and predictable. As regards starting, the use of the MGU-K electric motor already at low speed has been made possible for cars experiencing difficulty in the acceleration phase, thus reducing safety risks. Finally, safety during overtaking has been strengthened through a reduction in electric power and flexibility in energy management in areas of the track where a large difference in speed can be dangerous, such as in blind corners or on short straights. with high lateral acceleration”. In addition to the first actual testing of these innovations on the track, the American race will also be interesting for the difficulties it presents in terms of energy management of these new power units: “From the point of view of the PU and in relation to the 2026 regulation, the circuit can be considered medium demanding both in terms of charging difficulties and the importance of electrical energy – commented Bussi – The potentially most critical aspect concerns the sequence that goes from turn 7 to turn 17: the length of the two straights allows the battery to be completely discharged and offers overtaking opportunities, while the series of slow curves that connect them is particularly demanding both for charging the battery and for managing the turbo. The high temperatures and humidity typical of the month of May also make Miami a demanding track for cooling. The track is particularly demanding for the turbocharger, which from this year can no longer benefit from the electrical assistance provided by the MGU-H.” We will see starting Friday what the SF-26’s performance will be

Automobile Magazine – F1 English News
2026-04-29 23:38:00