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F1 Boosts Engine Power, Cuts Hybrid, Antonelli Wins Miami

5/10/2026

Summary

Verstappen Criticizes Hybrid

F1 teams and Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) agreed to raise ICE power by 50 kW, cut ERS power by 50 kW, increase fuel flow, and target a 50-50 combustion-electric split.
Max Verstappen criticized the hybrid design for forcing management in qualifying.
Kimi Antonelli won Miami, moving ahead of teammate George Russell three wins in four races, while FIA reduced harvesting and will review changes before Canadian Grand Prix on 24 May 2026.

Summary

Organizers Decide Saudi

Organizers will decide in two to three weeks if the cancelled Saudi Arabian Grand Prix can be held in December.
The 2027 power-unit package will be examined by the F1 Commission, the Power Unit Advisory Committee and the FIA World Motor Sport Council before manufacturers vote.
Engineers are developing wet-weather safety upgrades and revised race-start procedures for later 2026 rollout.

Summary

FIA Addresses Safety

The FIA held a meeting with team bosses, power-unit manufacturers and Formula 1 management to discuss hardware changes.
Drivers warned that lift-and-coast creates speed differentials that raise safety concerns in high-speed corners.
The FIA said Miami’s amendments improved competition, found no material safety issues, is assessing visual-signalling upgrades for the Canadian Grand Prix, and noted V8 nostalgia has sparked talk of a “mega engine” future despite billions spent on hybrid technology.

Summary

Bearman Crashes

Haas driver Ollie Bearman suffered a serious crash in Japan.
The crash prompted new Miami-race regulations that reduce qualifying reliance on battery management.
Drivers and officials said the incident accelerated safety-focused rule changes for the 2027 season.
Cadillac unveiled a one-off stars-and-stripes livery that will debut at the United States Grand Prix.

History

Historical Context

The FIA’s 2014 rule change forced all teams to adopt 1.6-litre V6 turbo-hybrid power units, a shift that let Mercedes-AMG dominate with engines reaching roughly 1,000 hp. After the MGU-H was banned, the 2026 package raises electric output to about 470 bhp for a 50-50 split, prompting drivers such as Max Verstappen to warn of rising costs.

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Verstappen Criticizes Hybrid

F1 teams and Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) agreed to raise ICE power by 50 kW, cut ERS power by 50 kW, increase fuel flow, and target a 50-50 combustion-electric split.
Max Verstappen criticized the hybrid design for forcing management in qualifying.
Kimi Antonelli won Miami, moving ahead of teammate George Russell three wins in four races, while FIA reduced harvesting and will review changes before Canadian Grand Prix on 24 May 2026.

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