Why are drivers upset about the 2026 F1 cars?

Drivers Voice Concerns Over 2026 Formula 1 Regulations

Oscar Piastri, a driver for McLaren, has expressed concerns about the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 regulations. He mentioned that some aspects of the new rules are unnecessary and do not contribute to the competition or the spectacle. While there are exciting challenges ahead, he believes certain elements need to be revised.

The 2026 regulations focus on a 50:50 split between electrical and conventional power. This has raised concerns among teams and drivers. Last year, fears emerged that the electrical power might be used too early, leading to a rethinking of the mechanical package, including active drag-reduction aerodynamics.

Recent discussions have intensified after Charles Leclerc described a sim run in Ferrari’s 2026 model as “not enjoyable,” and Lance Stroll criticized the concept as a “battery science project.” These comments highlight the ongoing debate around the new regulations.

Key Areas of Concern

Two main areas of concern have been identified. First, the cars may not be significantly lighter than current models, and their narrower chassis and wheels could result in less grip and downforce, leading to lower cornering speeds. The predicted downforce reduction is up to 30%, but it’s likely to be around 20% or less due to the ingenuity of F1 engineers.

The second concern is the complexity of the energy-management requirements for the next-generation powertrains. The electrical element will deliver 350 kilowatts, up from the current 120kW, but the charging and storage capacity is limited. Drivers fear they will spend half the lap adjusting switches on the steering wheel, which they consider unproductive.

Adjustments by the FIA

In response to these concerns, the FIA has made adjustments to the technical regulations. They introduced a ‘turn-down ramp rate’ to taper power delivery before the charge runs out at tracks with high energy demands. The sporting regulations also now allow a sliding scale of permitted energy harvesting depending on the venue, rather than a fixed amount of 8.5MJ per lap.

This change came after fears that at tracks with low braking demand, the only way to harvest 8.5MJ over a lap would be to brake or lift-and-coast on straights, which could be unsafe and visually unappealing. The cap will now be as low as 5MJ at some venues.

Driver Reactions and Adaptation

Leclerc acknowledged that the changes are moving in the right direction but emphasized the need for drivers to adapt. He noted that drivers will have to forget much of what they’ve learned and start from a blank page, which is challenging but part of the game.

Nikolas Tombazis, a representative of the FIA, explained that drivers often evaluate preliminary versions of cars and can jump to conclusions early. He added that it’s natural for drivers to dislike a car with less downforce.

Current simulations suggest that overall lap times will not be much slower than present, as the cars will have a different performance envelope. While they will be slower through corners, the narrower chassis and active aero could lead to higher top speeds. The greater electrical deployment may also enable faster acceleration out of corners.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

Formula 1 has always required drivers to adapt as technology evolves. From Giuseppe Farina’s front-engined car with drum brakes to modern machines, the sport has seen significant changes. Lewis Hamilton shared his perspective, noting that the driver will have more input into the development of the power unit and how it’s used.

He expressed interest in seeing how the new regulations develop and acknowledged the challenge of adapting to them. The excitement lies in the opportunity to evolve and innovate, even if it means revisiting past experiences.

Testing and Public Perception

The first tests for the 2026 regulations will be conducted behind closed doors at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya. This contrasts with the televised testing of recent years, aiming to avoid issues like the porpoising fiasco.

Carlos Sainz emphasized that drivers will adapt to whatever is provided. He stated that they will perform any necessary actions to go as fast as possible, just as they always have. The meritocracy of the sport will eventually reveal the best performers.