{"id":1896641,"date":"2026-04-22T10:11:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T07:11:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1896641"},"modified":"2026-04-22T10:11:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T07:11:51","slug":"will-f1s-2026-rule-tweak-work-mercedes-driver-who-warned-of-issues-explains-impact","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1896641","title":{"rendered":"Will F1\u2019s 2026 rule tweak work? Mercedes driver who warned of issues explains impact"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Will F1\u2019s 2026 rule tweak work? Mercedes driver who warned of issues explains impact<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Mercedes simulator driver Anthony Davidson weighs in on the tweaks to F1&#8217;s 2026 rules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Larkam <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-22T11:11:51+01:00\">22 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>F1 will trial new rules at the Miami Grand Prix<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>The potential impact of Formula 1\u2019s tweak to its controversial 2026 regulations has been outlined by Mercedes simulator driver Anthony Davidson.<\/p>\n<p>Following a crunch meeting on Monday, F1 and governing body the FIA revealed a package of tweaks aimed at improving the much-maligned 2026 rules while addressing driver concerns about safety.<\/p>\n<p>The amount of energy management required with the new power units, which have a near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, has been reduced in a bid to allow drivers to push closer to flat-out on qualifying laps.<\/p>\n<p>Similar limits have been changed for races to reduce drastic closing speed differences following safety concerns that were raised after Ollie Bearman\u2019s scary 50G crash at the Japanese Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>Davidson, who has spent many hours testing the regulations on the Mercedes simulator at its Brackley factory, has outlined what he expects from the revised rules.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think overall the ruleset was fairly ambitious. Some would argue overly ambitious, with the whole 50-50 split ICE versus the battery power,\u201d Davidson said on the Sky Sports F1 Show podcast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo you are now doing laps where you don\u2019t really have enough battery to fill in the internal combustion engine that\u2019s fairly low on power to power an F1 car around a track with all that drag that they carry with the wings.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-2f333b5f5bafb9b5d9f67039981e897ffea23e9a2409444e7d8ecd0c20f6de90\">  Norris reveals what would &#8216;mean more than winning an F1 championship&#8217;   \u2018Dangerous path\u2019 warning issued over new F1 2026 engine upgrades rule <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019ve had to not do anything too drastic because otherwise the cars basically become too slow, so we\u2019re in this kind of middle-ground now, limiting the amount going from 8MJ to 7MJ, should allow the drivers to drive more flat-out, but because the internal combustion engine is quite underpowered, naturally with the new rules, it means the lap times will be slower.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo it\u2019s a bit counter-intuitive. Slower lap times but the drivers can be more flat-out. If you think an F3 car, or an F2 car, they are slower lap times, but the drivers are full-throttle all the time. It\u2019s that kind of thing that we\u2019re getting closer to now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019ve consulted the drivers and I\u2019m really happy that they\u2019ve spoken to the drivers on this one, because they are the ones in the car feeling it at the end of the day, as I was all the way through the winter on the simulator.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b0c908ee17731318c9884fe673d55eff853d569e917f60662d3740956ba8cbad\">  Honda &#8216;working against the clock&#8217; on urgent updates for Miami GP   Vettel issues F1 \u201ccritical\u201d warning after regulation tweaks <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cA lot of these things I had actually flagged up early last year. Things like the 350kW super clip, for example. Now they are allowed maximum super clipping, which means that it reduces the period when you are actually super clipping.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo instead of this long, painful decrease in revs that we\u2019ve all become accustomed to after the first three races, it will now be going along and then more of a dip down but in a much shorter period. That will dissuade drivers and teams from doing lift-off.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI believe they\u2019ve come up with a better solution. This is where I feel we should have been right from the word go.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Davidson hopes the changes for the races will still allow for the kind of fluid racing that has occurred during the opening three races of the season.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just hope it will still allow overtaking to happen. That, for me, the jury\u2019s still out on that one, but hopefully it will,\u201d he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Honda &#8216;working against the clock&#8217; on urgent updates for Miami GP<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268015234.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268015234.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268015234.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268015234.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268015234.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268015234.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268015234.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268015234.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268015234.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> \u2018Dangerous path\u2019 warning issued over new F1 2026 engine upgrades rule<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-d513b70299b738bd6ac3a660cf12cc3d5a8bab555647626ea774b4521ccb60c4\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Larkam<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-7e96722fc968d7ff7f23f9a3c20bbd0ecd32bdaaa2750a100d980ba1b4221e40\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The &#8220;trenches&#8221; test Antonelli faces before F1 &#8220;exceptional&#8221; judgement<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776845100\"> 3h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, 2026 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ferrari busts myth around aggressive development during F1 break<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776785646\"> 19h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403619_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Ferrari will introduce an upgrade at the Miami Grand Prix\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Max Verstappen F1 career decision prediction made by Jenson Button<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776775402\"> 22h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1397889_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen's F1 future is in the spotlight \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How Ayrton Senna scored breakthrough F1 win in crazy race<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776774360\"> 23h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1030544_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Senna leads the 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix. \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Norris reveals chats with golf superstar helped him conquer F1 demons<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776767366\"> 21\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/2268732121.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Norris triumphed to win his maiden world title last year\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Wolff cautions Russell and Antonelli with \u2018only one car\u2019 warning<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776764807\"> 21\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404049_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Antonelli and Russell have shared the early wins in 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Mercedes simulator driver Anthony Davidson weighs in on the tweaks to F1&#8217;s 2026 rules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>The potential impact of Formula 1\u2019s tweak to its controversial 2026 regulations has been outlined by Mercedes simulator driver Anthony Davidson.<\/p>\n<p>Following a crunch meeting on Monday, F1 and governing body the FIA revealed a package of tweaks aimed at improving the much-maligned 2026 rules while addressing driver concerns about safety.<\/p>\n<p>The amount of energy management required with the new power units, which have a near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, has been reduced in a bid to allow drivers to push closer to flat-out on qualifying laps.<\/p>\n<p>Similar limits have been changed for races to reduce drastic closing speed differences following safety concerns that were raised after Ollie Bearman\u2019s scary 50G crash at the Japanese Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>Davidson, who has spent many hours testing the regulations on the Mercedes simulator at its Brackley factory, has outlined what he expects from the revised rules.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think overall the ruleset was fairly ambitious. Some would argue overly ambitious, with the whole 50-50 split ICE versus the battery power,\u201d Davidson said on the Sky Sports F1 Show podcast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo you are now doing laps where you don\u2019t really have enough battery to fill in the internal combustion engine that\u2019s fairly low on power to power an F1 car around a track with all that drag that they carry with the wings.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-2f333b5f5bafb9b5d9f67039981e897ffea23e9a2409444e7d8ecd0c20f6de90\">  Norris reveals what would &#8216;mean more than winning an F1 championship&#8217;   \u2018Dangerous path\u2019 warning issued over new F1 2026 engine upgrades rule <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019ve had to not do anything too drastic because otherwise the cars basically become too slow, so we\u2019re in this kind of middle-ground now, limiting the amount going from 8MJ to 7MJ, should allow the drivers to drive more flat-out, but because the internal combustion engine is quite underpowered, naturally with the new rules, it means the lap times will be slower.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo it\u2019s a bit counter-intuitive. Slower lap times but the drivers can be more flat-out. If you think an F3 car, or an F2 car, they are slower lap times, but the drivers are full-throttle all the time. It\u2019s that kind of thing that we\u2019re getting closer to now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019ve consulted the drivers and I\u2019m really happy that they\u2019ve spoken to the drivers on this one, because they are the ones in the car feeling it at the end of the day, as I was all the way through the winter on the simulator.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b0c908ee17731318c9884fe673d55eff853d569e917f60662d3740956ba8cbad\">  Honda &#8216;working against the clock&#8217; on urgent updates for Miami GP   Vettel issues F1 \u201ccritical\u201d warning after regulation tweaks <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cA lot of these things I had actually flagged up early last year. Things like the 350kW super clip, for example. Now they are allowed maximum super clipping, which means that it reduces the period when you are actually super clipping.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo instead of this long, painful decrease in revs that we\u2019ve all become accustomed to after the first three races, it will now be going along and then more of a dip down but in a much shorter period. That will dissuade drivers and teams from doing lift-off.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI believe they\u2019ve come up with a better solution. This is where I feel we should have been right from the word go.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Davidson hopes the changes for the races will still allow for the kind of fluid racing that has occurred during the opening three races of the season.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just hope it will still allow overtaking to happen. That, for me, the jury\u2019s still out on that one, but hopefully it will,\u201d he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>The potential impact of Formula 1\u2019s tweak to its controversial 2026 regulations has been outlined by Mercedes simulator driver Anthony Davidson.<\/p>\n<p>Following a crunch meeting on Monday, F1 and governing body the FIA revealed a package of tweaks aimed at improving the much-maligned 2026 rules while addressing driver concerns about safety.<\/p>\n<p>The amount of energy management required with the new power units, which have a near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, has been reduced in a bid to allow drivers to push closer to flat-out on qualifying laps.<\/p>\n<p>Similar limits have been changed for races to reduce drastic closing speed differences following safety concerns that were raised after Ollie Bearman\u2019s scary 50G crash at the Japanese Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>Davidson, who has spent many hours testing the regulations on the Mercedes simulator at its Brackley factory, has outlined what he expects from the revised rules.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think overall the ruleset was fairly ambitious. Some would argue overly ambitious, with the whole 50-50 split ICE versus the battery power,\u201d Davidson said on the Sky Sports F1 Show podcast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo you are now doing laps where you don\u2019t really have enough battery to fill in the internal combustion engine that\u2019s fairly low on power to power an F1 car around a track with all that drag that they carry with the wings.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-2f333b5f5bafb9b5d9f67039981e897ffea23e9a2409444e7d8ecd0c20f6de90\">  Norris reveals what would &#8216;mean more than winning an F1 championship&#8217;   \u2018Dangerous path\u2019 warning issued over new F1 2026 engine upgrades rule <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019ve had to not do anything too drastic because otherwise the cars basically become too slow, so we\u2019re in this kind of middle-ground now, limiting the amount going from 8MJ to 7MJ, should allow the drivers to drive more flat-out, but because the internal combustion engine is quite underpowered, naturally with the new rules, it means the lap times will be slower.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo it\u2019s a bit counter-intuitive. Slower lap times but the drivers can be more flat-out. If you think an F3 car, or an F2 car, they are slower lap times, but the drivers are full-throttle all the time. It\u2019s that kind of thing that we\u2019re getting closer to now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey\u2019ve consulted the drivers and I\u2019m really happy that they\u2019ve spoken to the drivers on this one, because they are the ones in the car feeling it at the end of the day, as I was all the way through the winter on the simulator.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b0c908ee17731318c9884fe673d55eff853d569e917f60662d3740956ba8cbad\">  Honda &#8216;working against the clock&#8217; on urgent updates for Miami GP   Vettel issues F1 \u201ccritical\u201d warning after regulation tweaks <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cA lot of these things I had actually flagged up early last year. Things like the 350kW super clip, for example. Now they are allowed maximum super clipping, which means that it reduces the period when you are actually super clipping.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo instead of this long, painful decrease in revs that we\u2019ve all become accustomed to after the first three races, it will now be going along and then more of a dip down but in a much shorter period. That will dissuade drivers and teams from doing lift-off.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI believe they\u2019ve come up with a better solution. This is where I feel we should have been right from the word go.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Davidson hopes the changes for the races will still allow for the kind of fluid racing that has occurred during the opening three races of the season.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just hope it will still allow overtaking to happen. That, for me, the jury\u2019s still out on that one, but hopefully it will,\u201d he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1093276\/1\/will-f1s-2026-rule-tweak-work-mercedes-driver-who-warned-issues-explains-impact&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Will F1\u2019s 2026 rule tweak work? Mercedes driver who warned of issues explains impact Mercedes simulator driver Anthony Davidson weighs in on the tweaks to F1&#8217;s 2026 rules. Lewis Larkam 22 Apr 2026 Share F1 will trial new rules at the Miami Grand Prix Add as a preferred source The potential impact [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1896641","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1896641","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1896641"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1896641\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1896641"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1896641"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1896641"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}