When the 2026-30 engine specification was being devised, both Audi and Porsche seemed ready to commit to the series. This increased the emphasis on sustainability and road relevancy.
The outcome was a 50:50 power split between internal combustion engine and electrical output.
But as initial simulator data was provided to teams, concerns were raised about drivers having to slow suddenly on straights and needing to downshift gears due to the extreme battery regeneration required, which lead to the 470bhp (350kW) of electric power dropping out.
Autosport understands that the FIA has no plans to change the equal power split now teams are already dyno testing their next-generation engines.
Famin - interim boss of the Alpine race team and engine programme - therefore reckons the success of F1’s next rule cycle depends on the chassis regulations, which are expected to radically cut drag and introduce active front and rear wings to help the cars perform in a straight line.
“I think we all share the concern,” said Famin when asked by Autosport about the pitfalls of relying too heavily on the electrified part of the hybrid powertrain.
“We are all working - Formula 1, the FIA, the teams, the PU manufacturers - to find the right final regulation for the cars.
“I think the energy management, we can still work on that in the coming months. There is no hurry.