Oscar Piastri highlighted a major issue with the 2026 regulations at Spa-Francorchamps, where he lost qualifying time due to unpredictable power unit behavior. Andrea Stella explained that identical settings on both McLaren cars pointed to the "self-learning elements" — algorithms that adapt energy deployment lap-by-lap based on deviations from ideal management.

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis acknowledged the drivers' frustration but argued banning these algorithms is too simplistic. Without automated management, drivers would deploy all electrical energy on corner exit, reaching top speeds earlier and increasing "clipping" on straights. Energy limits like the SOC delta exist to prevent an arms race and heavier batteries, making human control of all parameters impractical.

Tombazis stated humans cannot rationally manage the complexity of current power units. While Oscar Piastri doubts the planned 2028 shift to a 60-40 power split will resolve the issue, Tombazis believes the rebalancing will give drivers slightly more control, though not eliminate algorithmic influence entirely.

The FIA admits the 2026 rules are more complex than desired and understands the criticism, attributing the complexity to the fundamental challenge of limited energy management.