Formula 1’s increasingly automated cars reflect lessons learned in endurance racing, according to Allan McNish, whose hybrid Le Mans-winning car used automated power-unit controls to reduce the mental workload on drivers. In the 2026 United States Grand Prix, Andrea Kimi Antonelli converted pole position into a comfortable victory and moved to the brink of becoming Formula 1’s youngest champion.
Automation helps drivers manage the workload
Like this year’s F1 cars, McNish’s hybrid Le Mans winner was highly automated. “When the new energy-per-lap regulations were introduced in 2014, that first year it was very manual and completely impossible for drivers. I was sitting on the pit wall wishing I wasn’t driving because of brain overload,” McNish said.
Power-unit control was quickly automated, giving drivers more mental space to handle the other tasks required during a racing stint.
“Strategies to maximize tire feedback, information, different things in the differential…whatever he can talk to. But at the same time, he’s racing. So the more we can get out of the driver, the better,” McNish said.
“But at the end of the day it’s up to the driver to perform to the best of his ability. So there’s a lot of communication with the driver and a lot of adaptation as the race goes on. As the fuel load goes down and the tires deteriorate, the grip on the circuit goes up. The track should probably cool down here on Sunday afternoon, so there’s definitely some adaptability,” McNish told me.
Antonelli moves to the brink of the title
The race itself was not among the season’s most exciting contests. Antonelli took pole position on Saturday and extended his lead on Sunday, disappearing into the distance for a comfortable win.
George Russell needs to score 23 more points than Antonelli in Mexico City to remain in title contention. Lewis Hamilton needs to score 24 more points than Antonelli to retain a mathematical chance. Neither outcome is likely, and Antonelli will almost certainly become the next champion.
Source: arstechnica.com
