The 2026 regulations are facing relentless criticism—but not because of a lack of action on track. Races are still unpredictable, yet Formula 1 is being heavily criticized for one disruptive element: super clipping.
What is super clipping?
Super clipping refers to the sudden power drop that drivers are forced to use on the straights, so that part of the work done by the internal combustion engine (ICE) can recharge the batteries. Essentially, it is a method for balancing energy use while trying to maintain top speed.
Suzuka exposes the limits of F1 and super clipping
The Japanese Grand Prix clearly highlighted the limitations of current F1 cars in this regard. Watching drivers lose speed at the 130R corner and having to follow clean trajectories without taking any risks in the corners sparked heated debates on social media among fans. If this were the only issue, the category could eventually find a solution as engineering progresses, and super clipping might become a distant memory.
However, Suzuka also saw a serious incident. Oliver Bearman (Haas) crashed after a sudden slowdown by Franco Colapinto’s Alpine, which even surprised the Argentine driver himself. This incident raised an important issue: safety. In April, likely just after Easter, FIA, manufacturers, and teams will hold meetings to try and find a solution. But what actions could realistically be taken?
Powering through super clipping isn’t simple
Clearly, using super clipping without losing too much speed requires a more powerful ICE. But implementing such a change would not only mean rewriting the rules, it would also be nearly impossible in a short timeframe. After considering the problem, two possible solutions come to mind.
From F1 to F2
The first option would be to ban drivers from using super clipping as a method of battery recharge. This would, of course, eliminate the ability to gain a boost of 7-8 MJ (up to 9 MJ, depending on the GP) in traction to quickly increase top speed. The MGU-K could only recover energy under braking or when lifting off the throttle. Energy recovered this way would be far below the 9 MJ reference value. Manufacturers are already struggling to reach this value; without super clipping, it would be even more challenging.
That energy recovered from the MGU-K essentially indicates how long drivers can use the electric motor’s contribution during a lap. Knowing that power equals work over time, and having the energy value and the electric motor power (350 kW), we can estimate how long drivers can exploit the electric boost. At Suzuka, the FIA allowed 8 MJ for qualifying, roughly equating to 23 seconds of usage (t = E/P). The actual calculation is more complex, as energy demand depends on the car’s speed, but this gives a rough idea.
Giving up that energy would make drivers rely almost entirely on the ICE. While they might push the car to the limit in every phase of the race or qualifying, the cars would likely be much slower on the straights, effectively reducing F1 to something closer to F2.
From F1 to Formula E
The second option, which could take longer to implement but is feasible, would be to reduce long straights on tracks by introducing chicanes where possible. This would follow the concept used at circuits like Paul Ricard. Drivers use super clipping on long straights because, having used electric power to accelerate to high speeds, they suddenly need energy and use the remaining straight to recharge. Breaking up straights with chicanes would not only reduce peak power demand but also provide braking points for energy recovery.
However, this approach would make F1 more like Formula E: purpose-built tracks with few long straights and many corners, ideally slow and technical, maximizing opportunities for energy recovery.
Balancing performance and safety
Super clipping is unpopular and raises safety concerns, but it currently allows F1 to recharge quickly without relying on the costly MGU-H—a component unlikely to ever appear in road cars. Every problem has a solution, and during this April break, teams, manufacturers, and FIA will work together to find the best way forward.
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