Sergio Perez warned that Formula 1’s 2026 cars are “too dangerous” because of large speed differences created by energy deployment, citing a near‑miss with Liam Lawson in Baku. Speaking after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Perez said, “More than anything, it’s a race that we need to review a lot what’s going on with the energy management, the difference on engine.” He added: “I was going to have a massive shunt with [Liam] Lawson when I was defending from him, because the difference in deployment and power across engines is too dangerous. And I fear something bad is going to happen soon, if we don’t make some changes on the regulations.”
Early‑season flashpoint and the 2026 power split
The source text links the debate to an early‑season crash in Japan, where Oliver Bearman lost control after taking avoiding action when he encountered a slower Franco Colapinto during the race. According to the source, the new power units—with 47% electrical energy—can create substantial speed contrasts depending on how energy is deployed.
FIA steps in; more changes expected
The source says the FIA made adjustments during the April break to reduce the need for lift‑and‑coast, aiming to soften the most extreme speed deltas. Further tweaks for 2027 are described by the source as expected, including a reduction in the electrical proportion from 47% to 42%.
‘The difference in speed is too dangerous’
Perez also said, “I hope they are able to close up the gap, because at the moment it feels like, Mercedes and Red Bull, they have a very strong engine, and they can get you in places where the deployment is so poor and different to us. The difference in speed is too dangerous.” When it was suggested that Sepang’s high‑speed corners might be “ruined” with the 2026 cars, he replied: “We better don’t talk about it,” per the source text.
Photo credit (as in source): Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
