Formula 1 drivers expressed support on Thursday for the regulation changes made for safety reasons, but cautioned that more work is needed to enhance the racing experience at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, the fourth round of the 2026 season.
During an official press conference, most drivers noted that adjustments to super‑clipping levels and battery energy recovery would reduce risks, though they felt these changes would have minimal impact on the overall spectacle in the sport’s new hybrid era.
While Aston Martin’s Canadian driver Lance Stroll harshly criticized the new formula as “fundamentally flawed” and “1,000 times less fun” than Formula 3, others offered more measured assessments.
“The positive side is we’ve had some good meetings with F1 and the FIA, and I think that’s probably a starting point for the future—even if there’s still time for it, or maybe I won’t be here,” said four-time champion Max Verstappen, who has struggled with his car this season.
Verstappen expressed confidence that progress is being made. He was one of the main critics of the 2026 changes, accusing Formula 1 of losing its identity and suggesting he might reconsider his future if the sport didn’t take action to preserve its heritage as an ultimate test of power and speed for drivers and machines.
“I really hope we drivers have more influence over the organizers in general, because most of us have a good understanding and feel for what’s needed to make F1 a good product—a fun product,” the Dutchman said.
“At the end of the day, it’s a very complex and political sport, but at least I think everyone has done their best to do something, although, of course, it won’t change the world!” added Mad Max.
The conflict arose from the introduction this year of a 50‑50 split between battery energy usage and traditional engine power, aimed at creating a more environmentally friendly sport.
“Moving in the right direction”
Many drivers believe the sport needs more atmospheric power from the engine and less from the battery.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Audi’s German driver Nico Hulkenberg. “I’m curious to see how it feels and how it works on track now.”
McLaren’s Australian driver Oscar Piastri said the collaboration had produced good changes, but added that he believed the main issues cannot be resolved without a fundamental revision of the power unit hardware.
He highlighted that the rule tweaks were meant to reduce the huge performance and speed disparity between cars using maximum power and those backing off to recover and store battery energy.
An accident in Japan involving Haas driver Oliver Bearman, who escaped serious injury, left many drivers concerned about similar future incidents.
“After Olly’s accident, something had to change, and it’s good that we were listened to,” Piastri said. “The adjustments are good, sensible, and well thought out, so that’s positive, but let’s wait and see how it works out from a safety perspective.”
Many drivers and observers had criticized Formula 1 for producing an artificially computer‑controlled competition dictated by battery energy management needs.