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The 2026 F1 rules introduce smaller, lighter cars with a 50/50 fuel-electric split. Verstappen and Hamilton called them ‘anti-racing’. F1 President Domenicali defended the changes.
Max Verstappen has been criticial of the new F1 rules.
(AFP)
The new regulations ahead of the 2026 Formula One season have caused a storm. Push back to any changes in the sport is usual, but this time, F1 has brought some drastic developments.
The new rules introduce smaller, lighter cars featuring a radical 50/50 power split between internal fuel combustion and electric battery energy. To compensate for the loss of engine power, cars now feature active aerodynamics, where front and rear wings adjust positions to manage drag. Drivers must also use a new ‘Manual Override’ mode for overtakes, which replaces the old DRS system.
Max Verstappen has been a fierce critic, labeling the direction ‘Formula E on steroids’, because of the increased use of electricity. He argued that the heavy reliance on battery management is ‘anti-racing’ and unnatural. Lewis Hamilton shared the concerns, describing the new systems as ‘ridiculously complex’. Both champions suggested that software and energy strategy were overshadowing raw driving talent.
But Formula 1 President Stefano Domenicali on Friday (March 6) pushed back at the criticism, saying it was ‘wrong’ to be ‘negative’ about the ‘incredible world’ of F1 which was full of growth.
“I think it’s wrong, in general terms, to speak negatively about an incredible world that is allowing all of us to grow. That’s the only thing that I would say is not right,” he said. “But, you know, I always listen. Prudence, there is an evolution, an evolution of driving, which means that the best driver will be able to be the fastest,” he concluded.
Explaining the reasons behind the changes, he said F1 needed to ‘attract more manufacturers’.
“We wanted to attract more manufacturers. We knew that sustainable fuel would be an element that would be attractive to them. In terms of mobility, manufacturers should focus not only on electrification, and that’s also why this project started. I think that the possibility to develop this car, both from an engineering point of view and from the driver’s point of view, will enable us to see cars that are faster very soon. The world of engineers behind F1 is incredible. The approach that we discussed already in the last F1 Commission with the FIA and the teams is very open,” he added.
March 06, 2026, 11:20 PM IST
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