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Formula 1\u2019s<\/a> upcoming rule changes are already sparking growing criticism from drivers \u2014 and former F1 racer and German Sky expert Ralf Schumacher isn\u2019t having it. <\/p>\n Instead, he has a very clear opinion on the criticism by the drivers: <\/p>\n \u201cThese are the best drivers in the world. They have to manage it. Period.\u201d<\/p>\n New Hybrid Rules Bring Major Technical Shift<\/p>\n Hybrid engines are nothing new in Formula 1. Since 2014, the \u201cpinnacle of motorsport\u201d has relied on a combination of a V6 combustion engine and electric power. Until now, however, the combustion engine accounted for roughly 80 percent of the total output, while the electric component contributed only 20 percent.<\/p>\n The new 50\/50 split therefore marks a significant step in development. An additional change makes that step even more challenging: the power units have been simplified. One of the two systems previously responsible for energy recovery \u2014 and thus for charging the electric motor while driving \u2014 has been removed entirely.<\/p>\n For the drivers, this means managing the available electrical energy more precisely than ever before. Under full throttle, the electric boost is only available for short bursts before the battery must be recharged through so-called \u201clift and coast,\u201d where drivers come off the throttle and allow the car to roll. Drivers and teams must now master the art of choosing exactly the right moments to deploy and harvest energy.<\/p>\n As a result, criticism of the new and highly complex system is growing louder. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton<\/a> explained: \u201cI had seven meetings in one day. It feels like we\u2019d need a degree just to fully understand all of this,\u201d said the 41-year-old.<\/p>\n More concerning for some insiders, however, is the fear that the new regulations could pose a safety risk. At race starts, drivers must build up the correct energy load within the power unit. Even the smallest mistakes can leave a car unable to launch properly. During testing in Bahrain, several drivers experienced exactly that scenario. In a race situation, such issues could lead to serious rear-end collisions.<\/p>\n Ralf Schumacher Says Drivers Have to Manage it<\/p>\n Ralf Schumacher has now responded to the drivers\u2019 criticism with unusually strong words.<\/p>\n In the German podcast Backstage Boxengasse<\/a>, the 49-year-old said:<\/p>\n \u201cThese are the best drivers in the world. And if I assess it, you only need to watch a Formula 3 start \u2014 they have a similar problem. They go full throttle at the limiter and then launch using the clutch.\u201d<\/p>\n Schumacher added, \u201cNaturally, the start won\u2019t be as controlled as what we\u2019re used to in Formula 1 or what the drivers themselves are used to. That means it really depends on the driver more than ever, and he has to make sure he doesn\u2019t get too much wheel spin or stall the engine. That\u2019s where they now see the risk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll say it again: these are the best drivers in the world \u2014 they have to manage it. Period.\u201d<\/p>\n The new season begins on March 8, 2026, with the opening race in Melbourne. This will provide the first real answer \u2014 whether the drivers\u2019 concerns were justified or Schumacher was right all along.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tFabienne Lampe<\/a> Fabienne Lampe is a German sports journalist, covering the NFL, College Football, NBA, and Formula 1 for Heavy Sports. Lampe has years of experience covering the NFL, especially the Atlanta Falcons as their sole German reporter. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in the NFL, including Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. Lampe also hosts a Formula 1 podcast and works as a play-by-play announcer. More about Fabienne Lampe<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Formula 1\n\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t