Former Components 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone has warned that the championship may lose followers with the brand new laws.
2026 brings in a brand new wave of laws to F1. The main modifications embody an virtually 50:50 cut up between inner combustion and electrical energy, smaller, lighter vehicles and the introduction of lively aerodynamics, which replaces DRS. These modifications imply there might be an even bigger emphasis on power administration.
Throughout pre-season testing in Bahrain, some drivers aired their issues in regards to the new regulation vehicles with four-time champion Max Verstappen branding the brand new period of F1 “Components E on steroids”.
Ecclestone responded to the issues, arguing that whereas each regulation change brings a interval of adjustment for followers, the 2026 modifications may drive some followers away.
“There might be confusion at the beginning of the season as a result of everybody has to relearn Components 1,” Ecclestone instructed Sport.de.
“And the foundations definitely do not favour Max Verstappen and his fashion of racing. It’s much less about pure racing. However that’s the path of growth: extra laws, extra guidelines for the drivers—don’t do that, don’t do this.”
George Russell, Mercedes
Photograph by: Steven Tee / LAT Pictures by way of Getty Pictures
He added: “[The DNA of F1 is] that it’s a drivers’ world championship and never one for engineers. Components 1 is now competing extra with Components E. Perhaps the followers will like that, however I don’t assume so. The hazard is that we lose the followers. I sincerely hope I’m unsuitable.”
After protecting a detailed eye on pre-season testing, Ecclestone backed Mercedes to be a championship contender. “Mercedes is within the lead,” he stated. “Russell has the flexibility, however he should reveal that killer intuition constantly all through your complete season.
“A crew with Mercedes energy models has a terrific probability of profitable the world championship,” he continued, earlier than including: “Be careful for Ferrari! I hope Ferrari has a say within the title race. It will be good for Components 1 if Ferrari turns into world champion.”
We wish your opinion!
What would you prefer to see on Motorsport.com?
– The Motorsport.com Workforce
