Pain and motor: problems, tricks and changes to the new rules – VIDEO

Discussions continue on possible changes to the regulations to resolve the many critical issues of the 2026 power units. Above all, the risks to safety in the race stand out, in addition to the obvious limitations in qualifying, but finding a cure is not easy. The margins for maneuver are limited, not to mention that the calendar invites caution, so much so that the rules could progressively change from Miami to Barcelona. Everything is intertwined with other technical topics, such as the banning of the trick of electric power in qualifying, the ADUO resolution and the new test on the compression ratio, all topics of the second episode of Engineers on Thursday, the technical in-depth video podcast from FormulaPassion. The double problem of the 2026 rules The discussions between the FIA ​​and the teams focus on two main points. The first concerns safety, with the need to resolve the problem of large speed differences on the straight after the accident between Bearman and Colapinto at Suzuka. The problem arises above all from charging strategies and clipping, practices which in turn are intertwined with the trick exploited by the Mercedes and Red Bull engines on the flying lap, now banned by the Federation. The other big topic on the table, however, is qualifying, where the electric power delivery rules have linked the accelerator and the battery to such an extent as to prevent the pilots from pushing to the maximum. Intervention is possible, but it is not easy. Restoring power to the combustion engine, for example, would help dampen the clipping phases, but doing so will not be possible before the second part of the season or more likely 2027. In the immediate future, it will be possible to work on delivery strategies, maximum electric power and charging methods even if the changes would not be free from side effects. There are fears of repercussions on various aspects, such as lap times, overtaking difficulties and even reliability. This is also why the FIA ​​may not make all the changes in Miami, preferring to take the time necessary to test the individual corrections. Between ADUO and compression ratio The regulation is thus preparing to change from race to race up to Barcelona and perhaps even further on. It will be interesting to evaluate its effects on the hierarchies, given that the new compression ratio test will also debut in the same period, even if the competition believes that maintaining the cold test represents an advantage for Mercedes. Finally, a little further on, the updated engines with the ADUO will arrive, in which Ferrari has great hopes.