Oscar Piastri criticizes AI energy control in Formula 1

Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri has expressed frustration regarding the 2026 technical regulations, stating that drivers can feel ‘like passengers’ due to the increased role of artificial intelligence in energy management.

Under the new rules, the power split between the internal combustion engine and the battery shifts to a 50:50 ratio. Instead of drivers having full control over the 350kW of electrical energy, AI algorithms manage the deployment by learning circuit characteristics throughout a race weekend to determine the ideal distribution per lap.

Piastri noted that this loss of control is particularly challenging on tracks with long straights, such as Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone, where energy can be depleted before the end of a straight. In contrast, shorter circuits like the Hungaroring or Zandvoort may present fewer issues. He described the sensation of driving sections of a track with no battery assistance as a ‘weird feeling’ that can be frustrating for drivers.