As F1 gears up for an overhaul of both the power unit and chassis regulations, concerns have emerged about the potential for a negative impact on the spectacle if elements of the new package do not work as hoped.
Autosport has learned that at the regular team principals' meeting at the Canadian Grand Prix with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, fresh fears were raised specifically about the power unit rules that are already in place.
It is understood that Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, who has mentioned the issue before in F1 Commission meetings, even questioned whether or not F1 needs a rethink over plans for a 50/50 split of power generation from the internal combustion engine and the battery.
Instead, it has been suggested, consideration should be made to try to shift things from so much reliance on the electrical element to help avoid any risk of trouble.
Straight line concerns
Early analysis conducted by teams has triggered worries that there could be a risk of cars running out of battery power at some tracks because the electrical systems cannot regenerate enough energy from the MGU-K.
Should this occur then it could open up the potential for some bizarre behaviour from drivers to try to generate more energy on the entry to corners.
They could also experience a sudden loss of speed on the straights.
One source even suggested that if the rules do not deliver enough electric power for the entire lap, then, when drivers lose the 350kW boost (equivalent to 470hp) that is allowed from the batteries, they could even be forced to change down gears on the straight.
One team boss said: "This needs a lot of detailed analysis because if we get it wrong then it will not be good for the spectacle. We could have drivers left on economy drives to look after their batteries, or having to change down gears on the straights.
Source: Autosport