Mansell slams new F1 regs, calls overtakes “totally false”

Nigel Mansell, the 1992 world champion and 31‑time Grand Prix victor, has taken aim at Formula 1’s new hybrid regulations. He argues that the 50‑50 split between internal‑combustion power and battery output is creating “totally false” overtakes that leave fans “grumpy”. His criticism comes as the sport prepares to tweak battery limits ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

• Fans are the lifeblood of F1; widespread dissatisfaction could dent viewership and sponsor confidence.
• Overtaking defines the sport’s spectacle; artificially engineered passes erode credibility.
• The balance between sustainability and on‑track excitement is at stake, shaping the next era of F1.

The details:

• The 2024 rulebook forces a 50 % power split: the ICE and the ERS battery each contribute half of total output.
• Battery capacity has been cut from 8 MJ to 7 MJ for the Miami round to curb “lift‑and‑coast” and “super‑clipping”.
• Energy deployment is now governed by a computer algorithm that can inject extra boost if a driver makes a mistake, leading to sudden, uncontrolled acceleration.
• Mansell referenced Lando Norris’s recent pass on Lewis Hamilton, where the car surged forward on the straight only to be overtaken again when the algorithm delivered mistimed power.
• Qualifying laps are no longer flat‑out; drivers must conserve enough energy for the race, altering the traditional hot‑lap rhythm.

What's next:

• The FIA will evaluate the 7 MJ limit at Miami and decide whether further reductions are needed for the rest of the season.
• Teams are expected to refine their ERS management software to minimise “false” boosts and give drivers more control.
• If fan sentiment stays sour, the governing body may revisit the 50‑50 split, potentially allowing a higher ICE contribution or more flexible battery usage.
• Mansell’s outspoken remarks add pressure on regulators to deliver overtaking that feels authentic rather than algorithm‑driven.