The former head of Scuderia Toro Rosso reminds that the importance of energy management was perfectly predictable and considers that the spectacle did not suffer from it: the criticisms are excessive.
Since its introduction, the technical regulation 2026 has sparked many criticisms, notably due to the considerable role played by electric energy management in driving and overtaking.
Franz Tost, who remains a consultant for Red Bull after leaving the management of Toro Rosso, believes however that no one should be surprised by the current situation.
“What was going to happen with the new regulation was predictable,” explains the Austrian to Speed Week. Everyone had discussed it at length beforehand. The engineers had always insisted on the fact that battery management would be difficult.”
F1 did not suffer from it
Despite these concerns, the FIA and Formula 1 had decided to continue in this direction, notably to meet the expectations of manufacturers regarding the new generation of power units.
Tost is much less critical than some drivers regarding the consequences of this philosophy on the races: “I found all the races exciting. Yes, at the beginning, there were overtakes that we knew were possible thanks to better energy management. But they also had value in terms of spectacle. I don’t think Formula 1 suffered from it. ”
According to the former manager, part of the frustration of the top drivers could also come from the fact that the 2026 regulation has reduced some advantages they traditionally had: “Their advantages related to experience — braking points, corner entry, perfectly hitting the apex — have been reduced since everyone now lifts off 20 meters before the braking point due to energy management. It’s a different way of driving.”
Antonelli can become world champion
Tost was also impressed by the performances of Kimi Antonelli, current championship leader.
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Even he did not expect to see the young Mercedes driver occupy such a favorable position in the title fight: “I did not expect him to be in contention for the world championship with such dominance so far. He is doing a fantastic job. If he keeps a cool head, he can become world champion.”
Antonelli has just strengthened his position in the championship by winning the Italian Grand Prix at Monza after starting from 19th place.
Tost criticizes Cadillac’s organization
The Austrian is, however, much less enthusiastic about Cadillac’s debut in Formula 1: “I expected more from them”, he admits.
Tost notably believes that the structure split between the United States and Europe unnecessarily complicates the operation of the new team: “The situation is complicated with a team present both in the United States and in Europe. It would be better to focus entirely on the European site. There is already infrastructure in England, whereas the United States does not have the necessary facilities at the required level.”
Finally, the former head of Toro Rosso does not consider the lack of movements among the top drivers as a problem for Formula 1: “The fact that the best drivers have now chosen their teams is a good sign”, he believes.
Tost especially expects that the situation of Lewis Hamilton will soon be clarified. According to him, the seven-time world champion should extend his contract with Ferrari.
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