Tensions continue to rise around the new technical regulations to be introduced in 2026. After a difficult weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen issued an extremely harsh warning to Formula 1 and its leaders, believing that the direction taken by the discipline could "ruin the sport."
Verstappen didn't mince his words
The four-time world champion experienced a particularly frustrating round in Shanghai. Finishing ninth in the sprint race, the driver Red Bull Racing He ultimately retired from the Grand Prix due to a cooling problem with the ERS system. A weekend without a single point, a rarity for the Dutchman, only the third time in four seasons.
But beyond the sporting result, it was above all the performance of the new single-seaters that stood out. Verstappen from its hinges.
“We spoke with Stefano Domenicali, And I think that FOM and the FIA understand the drivers' point of view " he explained after the race.
"But honestly, if you ask most of us, that's not what we like about motor racing." »
Since the introduction of new hybrid engines based on a 50% combustion / 50% electric energy balance, several drivers have complained of a driving experience that has become artificial, dominated by energy management rather than pure attack.
"Some say it's great because they win races. I can understand that. When you have an advantage, why would you want to lose it? But if you look at the sport as a whole, it's simply not good."
The Dutchman goes even further, suggesting that the fans themselves could end up turning away from the sport.
"I don't think that's what true F1 fans want to see. Some may like it, but they don't really understand racing. I hope we can get rid of this system."
Several pilots share this unease. Charles Leclerc recently criticized the evolution of qualifying, explaining that the individual performance of the drivers is increasingly masked by energy management and technical constraints.
Ironically, these new rules have generated more overtaking and battles on track, an argument often put forward by the FIA and F1 to defend the current regulations.
More Verstappen This logic is completely rejected.
« I really hope they're not thinking solely in terms of entertainment. Because if that's the case, it will ultimately backfire on them. It could ruin the sport. »
For the world champion, the debate now goes beyond rivalries between teams. It is a fundamental question about the very identity of the Formula 1.
« It's political. Some teams are taking advantage of the current situation and want to keep it that way. I understand. But if you're looking at the future of the sport, sometimes you have to think beyond your own interests.
Despite these repeated criticisms, there is currently no indication that the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile or FOM They are considering a rapid change to the regulations. The governing bodies seem rather encouraged by the intensity of the races and the growing commercial interest surrounding the championship.
It remains to be seen whether the pilots' discontent, which is now becoming increasingly public, will eventually force the discipline to revise its approach.
