The new Formula 1 regulations continue to divide opinions within the paddock, but two team principals have come out in defense of the changes for 2026. Mattia Binotto and Fred Vasseur countered the narrative that drivers are largely dissatisfied with the new generation cars.
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Criticism gained momentum in the early stages of the season, mainly due to the new configuration of the power units. The current regulations provide for an almost balanced split between electric and combustion power in the hybrid V6 engines, requiring a different driving style more focused on energy management.
Several drivers complained about the constant need to recover energy throughout the laps, something that significantly changed the way of attacking during races. In addition, the accident involving Oliver Bearman and Franco Colapinto in Suzuka also raised safety concerns due to the speed difference between cars in different energy usage situations.
At the Miami GP, the FIA introduced adjustments described as ‘refinements’ to the regulations to reduce some of the main concerns raised by teams and drivers. On Friday of last weekend, the entity also confirmed that power unit manufacturers, teams, and the category itself reached an agreement for evolutionary changes in 2027, increasing the combustion share in the engines.
Before the race in Miami, Binotto participated in the team principals’ press conference and rejected the idea that the adjustments made were insufficient: “Not driving with the throttle fully open is not a good reason,” said the Audi executive when comparing the current situation with previous eras of Formula 1 where fuel management was also decisive.
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The Italian also highlighted that drivers linked to Audi show satisfaction with the new regulations: “Our drivers are very positive about the rules. They are enjoying the car and I’m not sure that all drivers really don’t like it,” he said. Binotto acknowledged that the driving style has changed but emphasized that the essence of the category remains the same: “It’s still Formula 1. It’s still a challenge. It’s still racing, battling on track, fighting for the fastest lap in qualifying sessions and races,” he added.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, agreed with the former Italian team executive’s view. Even with Charles Leclerc being one of the most critical drivers of the new regulations, the Frenchman said stronger complaints always appear during periods of technical change: “We have drivers who are more vocal than others. This has happened with all new rules,” he commented.
Vasseur also suggested that drivers’ positions vary according to each one’s competitiveness on the grid: “Drivers want to fight for the top positions. (George) Russell or (Kimi) Antonelli may be less vocal than some others who are further back,” he concluded. Despite the public defense from team principals, Formula 1 is already working on changes for 2027, in a move that brings the category closer to FIA CEO Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s goal of returning to V8 engines by 2031.
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