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Ilmor co-founder Mario Illien says F1’s 2026 engines rely too heavily on electric power, echoing Max Verstappen’s concerns about energy management.
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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]
RacingNews365 reports that the FIA is working towards changing the combustion-to-electric power split from 52/48 to 58/42 in 2027 and 60/40 in 2028. Illien expects that to help a little, but says he would prefer the balance used before 2026. [1]
1 listed sources · explore evidence, limitations and provenance.
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