F1’s Latest Era: Drivers Adapt to ‘Energy Chess’ and a Shift in Cornering Strategy

The 2026 Formula 1 season has ushered in a new era of racing, marked by a significant shift in driving strategy due to the revised regulations surrounding power unit deployment. While the Australian Grand Prix showcased thrilling battles on track – including a close finish between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen – drivers are grappling with a new challenge: managing energy efficiently, often at the expense of traditional cornering speed.

From Challenging Corners to Battery Recharge Zones

Historically, iconic corners like Turn 9-10 at Albert Park demanded pure driver skill, and bravery. However, under the new regulations, drivers are now prioritizing battery recharging within these sections, often initiating the process hundreds of meters before the corner itself. This has led to a noticeable decrease in speed through these turns, despite maintaining full throttle, as drivers strategically manage their energy deployment.

Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin Racing explained this new reality, stating, “We used to fight for our life in Turn 12 in Bahrain, Turn 9, 10 and Turn 11 in Melbourne, Sector 1 in Suzuka, 130R, and Turn 7 and Turn 8 here in China. There were always certain corners in Formula 1 that were challenging the limits of the physics going through those corners, and the driver had to use all the skills and be brave in some of the moments as well. When you position new tyres on and you proceed through the corner at the speed that you’ve never been before in any of the free practices, that challenge is gone in a way. You use those corners to charge the battery, not anymore to make the lap time. So, it is a different challenge what you face now behind the wheel.”

The Rise of ‘Energy Chess’

This shift has introduced a new element to racing, dubbed “energy chess” by McLaren. Drivers must now carefully consider when and how to deploy their limited energy reserves, making strategic decisions about throttle application and braking points. Oscar Piastri, likewise of McLaren, noted that the challenge is no longer simply about being the bravest through a corner, but about optimizing energy usage. “There’s still a challenge in those kind of corners, but it’s a very different challenge and it’s not quite as simple as just who’s the bravest and who’s willing to carry the most speed,” Piastri said.

Lando Norris emphasized the precision required in managing the power unit, stating that even a slight deviation in throttle application – for example, using 40% throttle instead of the optimal 30% – can have a noticeable impact on lap time. He highlighted a fundamental change in driving approach: “It’s gone [away] from just seeing how you can optimise every single millisecond out of the car itself and purely from a driver and car combination.”

Verstappen’s Concerns and Potential Adjustments

Max Verstappen expressed concern that aggressive driving styles, traditionally rewarded in F1, may now be counterproductive. He fears that drivers who attempt to carry the most speed through corners could actually be penalized due to increased battery consumption. “You’re not going to go into Pouhon now, I think, and see who has the biggest balls,” Norris remarked, illustrating the change in strategy. “You’re not going to see that. You’re just going to see who can lift at the correct point and use the amount of throttle that you have to use, so that it doesn’t use the power, so that it doesn’t use the battery and those kind of things.”

Teams are now advocating for adjustments to the regulations, with discussions scheduled after the Chinese Grand Prix to explore potential modifications to harvesting and deployment strategies. Verstappen suggested a key adjustment would be to eliminate the penalty for drivers who maintain higher throttle percentages, as the current system rewards lifting and coasting, which goes against the instincts of experienced drivers. “I think we necessitate to move away from lifting in qualifying at certain circuits, which just makes no sense. Because if you look at the past years, on average the fastest drivers are the ones who spend the most time on the throttle over a lap. And now that works against you because the more you are on the throttle, the more battery you use.”

While the situation appears better at circuits like Shanghai and Bahrain, concerns remain that the challenges experienced in Melbourne could resurface at other tracks later in the season, particularly if a consensus on regulatory adjustments cannot be reached.