From Monza and Spa on one side to Monte Carlo and Mexico City on the other, here is a detailed analysis of the circuits that will be most and least demanding when it comes to energy management in Formula 1.
Out of the three tracks that opened the season, Formula 1 has already experienced two of the most challenging scenarios of the entire year. Melbourne and Suzuka proved to be particularly critical circuits for energy management, but the calendar still features other venues that could be even more demanding from this perspective. At the same time, there will also be tracks at the opposite end of the spectrum, although the classification of the best and worst circuits will also depend on the decisions taken by the FIA on a race-by-race basis.
The most critical circuits
The severity of a circuit in terms of energy management depends on several parameters, with two standing out in particular. The first is the amount of time spent at full throttle, which is directly linked to the length of the phases in which electrical power must be cut due to depleted available energy. The second is the time spent using the braking system, which indicates how much energy can be recovered under braking. The lower this value, the more the battery must be recharged through alternative methods, such as the electric motor drawing power from the internal combustion engine on the straights, further worsening clipping.
Full throttle time (2025) – theoretical energy recovery under braking (2025 braking times)
Spa – 66 s – 4.2 MJ
Monza – 60 s – 3.3 MJ
Silverstone – 58 s – 3.9 MJ
Qatar – 55 s – 3.2 MJ
Melbourne – 53 s – 2.9 MJ
Barcelona – 50 s – 3.0 MJ
Austria – 42 s – 2.9 MJ
At present, the only publicly available data comes from 2025. The energy recoverable under braking at each circuit can be estimated based on the braking time data provided by Brembo last season, which is approximately 1% higher than what is expected with the new cars, but still useful as a reference point. From this, it emerges that Spa and Monza will be the most challenging tracks for energy management, with full throttle times of 66 and 60 seconds respectively, combined with limited energy recovery under braking, especially at the Italian Grand Prix.
Attention should also be paid to Qatar and Barcelona, where only 3.2 and 3.0 MJ respectively can theoretically be recovered under braking, despite relatively long full throttle sections. The negative record for the lowest recoverable energy under braking, however, belongs to Austria, which sits at similar levels to Melbourne, with the difference that the Red Bull Ring features a shorter overall full throttle duration.
The most favourable circuits
Fortunately, the Formula 1 calendar also includes events that are far less critical for energy management. It comes as no surprise that Monaco stands out as the most favourable track, with a theoretical energy recovery of 5.9 MJ under braking and just 30 seconds spent at full throttle. Singapore also performs very well, with 42 seconds at full throttle in 2025 and an impressive potential recovery of 6.0 MJ under braking.
In general, the circuits that are easier on energy management tend to be more technical and demanding in terms of driving, such as Mexico City, Zandvoort, Budapest and Interlagos.
Full throttle time (2025) – theoretical energy recovery under braking (2025 braking times)
Monaco – 30 s – 5.9 MJ
Singapore – 42 s – 6.0 MJ
Mexico City – 32 s – 5.5 MJ
Zandvoort – 39 s – 4.4 MJ
Budapest – 40 s – 5.3 MJ
Interlagos – 41 s – 5.5 MJ
Shanghai – 50 s – 5.7 MJ
Baku – 61 s – 7.1 MJ
Las Vegas – 62 s – 5.2 MJ
Finally, there are the cases of Baku and Las Vegas. Both street circuits are characterised by a handicap of more than 60 seconds spent at full throttle, which is partially offset by significant braking demands. In particular, in Azerbaijan it is possible to recover more energy under braking than at any other circuit, at around 7.0 MJ, significantly reducing the need for recharging phases along the straights.
Overall, however, the classification of the best and worst circuits for energy management will also depend on the decisions taken by the FIA on a case-by-case basis, especially regarding the amount of energy, measured in Megajoules, that can be recovered per lap.
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