The 50:50 power split was “too optimistic”: former Ferrari engineer analyzes F1’s hybrid struggles. Francesco Cigarini on F1 2026: “Beta season and optimistic 50:50 engines”.

A Formula 1 on pause

Thanks to the month-long break caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix, the FIA, Formula 1, and the teams are planning several meetings to review what has been seen on track during the first three rounds of the season. The new regulatory regime has brought both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, overtaking has increased exponentially. On the negative side, drivers have expressed concerns over the challenges of pushing in qualifying and the danger of encountering rivals with depleted batteries on track, calling for prompt intervention to avoid frustrating and unsafe situations.

FormulaPassion.it asked Francesco Cigarini, who spent 22 years at Ferrari, for his perspective on this 2026 version of Formula 1.

A beta version of F1

Francesco Cigarini, how would you assess the regulations after the first three races of the season? Is this new F1 concept working? What would you save, and what would you absolutely change?

“It seems that the start of the season has been like a ‘beta’ version of F1. Teams, the FIA, and all the insiders were ready to see if the theories tested in simulations would hold up on track, and to react in case problems emerged. The forced pause due to the cancellation of the two Middle Eastern Grands Prix gave everyone the chance to adjust and consider corrective measures more calmly. We’ll see if that works.

The situation could still change as teams evolve their cars. What is decided now may only become fully effective later. Using 50% internal combustion and 50% electric power was an optimistic agreement; it was probably assumed that the effectiveness of the electric component would be further along at this point compared to when the regulation changes were originally planned years ago.

Reducing the impact of the electric component could avoid slowing down on full straights at the expense of a slower lap time… but this should be assessed by the teams, and those in front are naturally worried about losing the advantage they have gained.”

Francesco Cigarini’s insights therefore highlight the growing pains of a category in transition. The next few weeks of meetings between stakeholders will be crucial in determining whether Formula 1 sticks to its “optimistic” 50:50 vision or pivots toward a more balanced power delivery system. For fans and teams alike, the goal is to move past the beta phase and deliver a refined, high-performance product that lives up to the prestige of the world championship.