What Is Super Clipping? F1's 2026 Tech Jargon Explained

Felix Braun · 2026-02-20

If you've been following the buzz around Formula 1's 2026 regulations, you've probably stumbled across some confusing new terms. One phrase that keeps popping up is 'super clipping.' It sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, right? Let's break it down in plain English. Super clipping isn't about cutting coupons or editing video. In the high-stakes world of F1, it refers to a specific energy management strategy for the new hybrid power units coming in 2026. Think of it as the ultimate balancing act between raw electric power and fuel efficiency. ### The Heart of the 2026 Power Unit Changes The 2026 regulations are a big deal. They're shifting the balance dramatically toward electric power. The current hybrid systems use a complex mix of internal combustion and battery recovery. The new rules will see the electric motor's output nearly triple, while the internal combustion engine's role changes significantly. This is where super clipping enters the chat. With so much more electric power available, engineers need smarter ways to deploy it. Super clipping is essentially a method to harvest and deploy that electrical energy more aggressively during a lap. ### How Super Clipping Actually Works Let's use a simple analogy. Imagine your car's battery is a water tank. Normally, you fill it slowly and use it steadily. Super clipping is like deciding to drain the entire tank in one massive burst at the most critical moment—say, for an overtake on a long straight. The system would 'clip' or harvest maximum energy from the brakes and exhaust, store it, and then release it all at once. This creates a powerful, temporary boost. The trick is timing it perfectly so the battery is depleted right as you cross the start/finish line, ready to be recharged again. - It maximizes the use of the high-power electric motor. - It requires precise software and driver management. - It could define race strategy, making laps a series of power peaks and recharges. This approach is a complete shift from today's more constant energy deployment. One veteran engineer was quoted saying, "It turns each lap into a calculated sprint, where managing your electrical 'bullet' becomes as important as tire wear." ### Why This Matters for the Future of Racing This isn't just technical jargon for engineers. Super clipping could change how we watch races. Drivers will have a powerful tactical tool, but using it at the wrong time could leave them defenseless. Overtaking might become more about strategic energy bursts than pure aerodynamic tow. For fans, it adds another layer of depth. We'll be watching not just for tire strategies and pit stops, but for who manages their electrical boost best. It makes the driver more of a conductor, managing an orchestra of power sources. The 2026 season is still a couple of years away, but the groundwork is being laid now in simulation labs. Super clipping is a glimpse into a faster, more electrified, and strategically complex future for Formula 1. It's one piece of a puzzle that aims to make the cars lighter, more efficient, and just as thrilling to watch.