This year’s all-new F1 cars will force teams to make complex calculations on when to deploy electrical energy, and when to divert engine power to charge the battery, and when to use

Getting it right will make the difference between winning or losing races, but it’s not easy, as the factors will change race by race; lap by lap as tyre condition, track grip and fuel levels change.

As Mark Hughes explains in the latest Motor Sport F1 Show, teams are likely to lean heavily on AI, and those that develop the best software will have a huge edge that, in some cases, may outweigh a mechanical disadvantage.

“One of the more fascinating unintended consequences is that we could be now looking at who develops the best AI, who, best utilises their AI in terms of energy deployment,” says Mark.

“It may be that you have what had traditionally been a better engine than your rival, but if they’ve got a better deployment system, that that might count for more.”

Watch or listen to the podcast for Mark’s full analysis as he and presenter Bryn Lucas also examine the potential of Christian Horner returning to the F1 paddock, a year after being fired from Red Bull, and why Adrian Newey’s Aston Martin looks so extraordinary.

They look at what F1 drivers made of their cars after testing; what’s really happening at Williams; and Mark answers your questions.

We’ll feature more listener questions next week: don’t forget to post yours below:

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