F1's new rules spark racing, qualifying and safety crisis

Insights

• The 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power introduced overtake and boost modes that shift energy advantage between cars.
• Overtake and boost systems have produced repeated passing and 'yo-yo' battles rather than decisive overtakes.
• Qualifying no longer allows flat-out laps because drivers must manage battery use, reducing the traditional single-lap challenge.
• A tangle of limits including zero kilowatt zones, ramp-down rates and super-clipping rules has made strategy and setup more complex.
• Large power differentials when some cars deploy full electric boost while others are recharging create severe closing speeds and safety risk.
• Oliver Bearman's high-speed crash at Suzuka underlined those safety concerns and intensified pressure from drivers and the GPDA.
• FIA and teams are seeking short-term fixes for upcoming races and longer-term rule changes, but technical and political obstacles remain.