15 February 2026Racingnews365Race reportDriver Ratings
Gasly warns F1 drivers may become ‘passengers’ under 2026 rules
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly says the upcoming 2026 regulations – automated energy recovery and active‑aero controls – could reduce drivers to passive ‘passengers’, giving engineers a bigger edge and risking less on‑track excitement.
Alpine driver Pierre Gasly warns the 2026 rule changes could turn F1 drivers into passive ‘passengers’ rather than active racers. With energy recovery set by the ECU and active‑aero automatically disabled in corners, drivers must contend with a maze of automated controls they can’t directly command.
Why it matters:
- Automation may flatten driver skill differentials, shifting the competitive edge toward engineers and data teams.
- Fans could see fewer overtaking battles if energy‑map strategies become predictable.
The details:
- Drivers choose a recovery mode, but the ECU decides when and how much energy to harvest.
- Active aerodynamics are automatically switched off in corners, preventing the ‘straight‑line mode’ that Jack Doohan tried at Suzuka in 2025.
- Because the software controls deployment across each straight, drivers can’t easily gauge rivals’ power‑unit strategies, reducing the on‑track tactical element.
What's next:
- Gasly says the quickest way to stay ahead is to qualify on pole, where race‑day energy limits matter less.
- Teams are testing software tools that give drivers clearer real‑time feedback on energy maps and aero status.
- The FIA will likely fine‑tune the regulations before 2026 to keep a balance between automation and driver input.