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As Formula 1 heads into its transformative 2026 season, the sport faces one of its most significant technical overhauls to date. The new rulebook mandates cars run with a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power, a change that fundamentally alters how drivers approach a race. Energy conservation is no longer just a strategy; it is a necessity. This shift has inadvertently bridged the gap between F1 and its all-electric counterpart, Formula E, sparking a distinct divide within the Red Bull camp on how to handle the evolution.
Lawson Looks for an Edge
For Liam Lawson, the 2026 regulations represent a chance to reset. The 23-year-old’s path has been turbulent; after just two races alongside Max Verstappen, he was demoted to Red Bull’s junior squad. His early performances were a mixed bag—qualifying 18th on his debut in Australia and crashing out in the rain, followed by back-of-the-grid starts in China. While a career-best fifth place in Azerbaijan showed promise, he ultimately finished 14th in the standings, trailing teammate Isack Hadjar.
Now wearing No. 30, Lawson is looking outside the traditional F1 paddock for an advantage in energy management. He identified fellow New Zealander and Formula E standout Nick Cassidy as a potential mentor for mastering the new hybrid requirements.
“I mean, I think he’s probably the best at it, honestly,” Lawson told talkSPORT, recalling watching Cassidy race while he was back home in New Zealand. “He’s obviously doing a really, really good job and somebody that over the years I’ve spoken to a lot, and I probably this year will be speaking to a lot more, asking for advice.”
A Conflict of Interest
Lawson’s plan to tap into Cassidy’s expertise, however, has hit a wall. Despite the praise, Cassidy was quick to shut down the possibility of sharing trade secrets. Speaking ahead of the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Formula E driver cited professional obligations.
“Yeah, I mean, it was super nice of him to say that,” Cassidy said. “Obviously, I wish him the best, just being a fellow Kiwi, but I’m affiliated with another F1 team myself and in a development role, so there’s very little I can probably help him with just because of a conflict of interest.”
With external help off the table, Lawson admits that Racing Bulls will have to rely on their own data. The true capabilities of their 2026 package will remain a mystery until the cars hit the track. “Immediately, to be honest, after testing,” Lawson noted regarding when they will understand their standing. “We’ll do a lot of different style sort of planned running… but I think very quickly after testing, we’ll have an idea of what sort of package we have.”
Verstappen’s “Formula E on Steroids” Criticism
While Lawson attempts to adapt to the electric-heavy style, Max Verstappen remains a vocal critic of the concept. The four-time world champion has doubled down on his disdain for the new regulations, famously labeling the 2026 cars “Formula E on steroids” due to the driving style required to manage the increased battery dependence.
“I don’t want us to get close to Formula E,” the Red Bull driver emphasized. “I actually want us to stay far away from it and remain Formula 1.”
Verstappen’s grievance lies specifically with the technology, not the talent found in the electric series. When asked if Formula E could eventually become a primary feeder series for F1—potentially superseding Formula 2 due to the technological similarities—he was dismissive but respectful of the drivers.
“Well, let’s hope not,” Verstappen said. “I mean, not because of the drivers—because there are a lot of good drivers there who could perform really well here too.”
A Philosophical Divide
For the Dutchman, the solution is simple: eliminate the massive batteries and return to a focus on combustion. “Actually, you should get rid of the thing and concentrate on a proper engine,” he argued. He maintains that while the new Formula E cars might be “cool” based on conversations with friends in that series, the two worlds should not collide. “Let them be Formula E, and we should stay Formula 1. We should try not to mix that.”
Despite the criticism of the FIA’s flagship regulations creating a PR headache, Verstappen remains unbothered by the fallout. He insists he isn’t trying to be difficult, but simply honest. “I’m just sharing my opinion,” he stated, signaling that regardless of the rules, his outspoken nature isn’t changing anytime soon.
