Ilmor co-founder Illien questions F1’s electric power balance

Mario Illien says Formula 1’s 2026 power units rely too heavily on electric power, making software and energy management more important to racing than he would like. The Ilmor co-founder made the comments in an interview published by RacingNews365 on 28 September. He supports hybrid engines and recovering kinetic energy, but objects to the current balance between electric and combustion power. [1]

RacingNews365 compared his view with Max Verstappen’s complaints during pre-season testing in Bahrain. Verstappen had said the need to manage energy prevented him from driving flat out. Illien agreed that their views were similar and said he had reached his conclusion before the new rules took effect. [1]