The 2026 Formula 1 season has brought a wave of mixed emotions as the sport’s latest cars tackle the iconic circuits of Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. These historic tracks, known for their long, fast layouts, have exposed both the strengths and weaknesses of the current energy-dominated formula.
Pre-season simulations had drivers bracing for the worst, with some suggesting the reality was not as dire as feared. However, others like Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri maintained that the cars were far from perfect, with Verstappen describing Spa as “painful” and Piastri calling it “sad”.
The Highs: Speed and Agility
The 2026 Formula 1 cars have shown moments of genuine brilliance, particularly in the high-speed sections of Spa-Francorchamps. Witnessing these machines navigate Eau Rouge at speeds exceeding 327 km/h (203 mph) is a testament to their raw power and agility. The cars’ skittish appearance as they change direction up the hill adds a dynamic element that captivates spectators.
Gabi Bortoleto’s assertion that the cars retain their magic rings true in these sections. The speed and precision required to tackle Copse at 280 km/h (174 mph) underscore the skill involved, even if the cars are not flat-out through every corner.
The Lows: Energy Management and Compromise
However, the reality of energy management in the 2026 formula introduces a contrasting narrative. As the cars approach Raidillon and the Kemmel Straight the underwhelming aspect of the current formula becomes apparent. Drivers are forced to decelerate and downshift to recharge the battery, a process that Valtteri Bottas described as necessary but disruptive.
The impact of energy constraints is evident in sections like Les Combes where the cars arrive at speeds nearly 20 km/h (12 mph) slower than in previous years. This reduction in speed, coupled with the ability to alter lines almost at will, creates a sense of containment that was less pronounced in earlier formulas.
The Driver’s Perspective
Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls provided insight into the energy management strategies that dominate the current formula. “We’re obviously out of energy already, pretty much just past Eau Rouge,” Lawson explained. “And then we have to charge through the whole middle part of the lap so we just have no power from turn five [Les Combes] to turn eight [the right-hand hairpin].”
This strategy extends to other sections of the track, with drivers experiencing periods of reduced power to ensure adequate battery levels. The result is a Spa-Francorchamps that feels fundamentally different from previous years, with Lawson describing it as the worst so far.
A Spectator’s Delight: The Thrill of Direction Change
Despite the challenges posed by energy management, there are moments that captivate spectators and bring genuine exhilaration. Standing trackside at the no-name left-hander before Pouhon the cars display brief periods of full throttle as the track grips up. The direction change and sense of speed are truly impressive, even if the cars are slightly down on speed compared to previous years.
The fearsome Pouhon corner, once a daunting challenge, now feels less intense due to reduced power upon arrival. However, the spectacle remains compelling, with drivers like Kimi Antonelli entering the corner at speeds comparable to last year’s ground-effect McLaren. The partial lift off the throttle and snatched lower gears for battery recharging add a layer of complexity that enhances the viewing experience.
The Disconnect: Inside vs. Outside
The disconnect between how the cars look from the outside and how they feel from the inside is a defining characteristic of the 2026 Formula 1 season. While spectators are treated to moments of genuine exhilaration, drivers must navigate the constraints of energy management, which can make the sport feel less challenging.
Lewis Hamilton captured this sentiment after Friday practice, stating, “It’s still amazing to drive, through corners and everything, it’s good. It’s just the straights where the engine dies.” This dichotomy creates a strange feeling of isolated moments of joy interspersed with snapshots of frustration and disappointment.
While the cars showcase moments of incredible agility and power, the constraints of energy management introduce a contrasting narrative that divides opinions. Spa is not completely ruined, but it is undeniably different, offering a unique blend of exhilaration and frustration that defines the current era of Formula 1.
