The before and after of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit have been marked by the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing driver, and several McLaren drivers have expressed their concerns about how the track has changed with the new rules, particularly at the famous Pouhon corner.
During the competition weekend, Verstappen characterized his experience on the track, noting that the second sector is particularly difficult, as drivers have to drive primarily with the internal combustion engine, without the support of the MGU-K. This has led to a considerable decrease in available power, which is between 450 and 500 horsepower.
According to the world champion, this power seems more typical of a Formula 3 car than an F1 vehicle, although it maintains the aerodynamics of the top category single-seaters. ‘It’s a painful track, and not exciting to drive at all,’ he commented after qualifying, where he secured second place.
On his part, McLaren driver Lando Norris also criticized the modifications, highlighting that the Pouhon corner has lost its essence, turning into a simple corner from a straight. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, agreed with this opinion, lamenting that the new conditions have made accelerations and corner exits dramatically different, complicating vehicle handling.
With a future in which cars will have to adapt to a power distribution between combustion and electric energy, drivers hope things will improve in the coming years, with a projected energy distribution of 60-40 by 2028.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
