Sebastian Vettel: Divisive 2026 rules risk "DNA and heart" F1

For Sebastian Vettel, it is essential that Formula 1 does not lose “its DNA,” amid criticism surrounding the 2026 technical regulations.

Although some voices had raised concerns in the years and months leading up to the implementation of the new technical regulations, pointing out certain risks, seeing the scale of the changes on track provoked a strong reaction from fans and drivers.

These reactions often turned into outright criticism of a formula that has undeniably shaken up many habits, sometimes drastically changing certain aspects of performance – such as qualifying.

The greater emphasis on electrical energy in the F1 power units, with a near-50:50 split between combustion and electric power, combined with the disappearance of the MGU-H and batteries whose capacity has barely increased, places even greater emphasis on managing electrical energy.

Drivers and teams are therefore more dependent on harvesting and deploying energy, making it one of the main tools of performance – which some claim comes at the detriment of 'pure' attacking driving. This is especially true in qualifying, but the criticism has also extended to racing and safety when overtaking harvesting cars.

Sebastian Vettel driving Ayrton Senna’s McLaren MP4/8 during the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

Sebastian Vettel: "I hear and echo the criticism"

Asked about these criticisms by Swedish broadcaster SVT, Vettel, a former Red Bull and Ferrari driver, said that he shares those concerns while also sending a warning message to Formula 1 as a whole.

“From a sporting side, I hear and echo the criticism, because the cars are probably fun to drive, but it is probably not so much fun to race because of the regulations and the difficulties that come with that,” the former director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association said.

“So, I sympathise with the drivers, and I am very critical not to lose the DNA and the heart of this sport, which is finding the fastest driver in the fastest machine to win the race.”

The series’ governing bodies have already reacted by approving a number of modifications to the technical regulations, which were discussed at great length among various stakeholders – including teams and power unit manufacturers.

Reducing the need for energy harvesting, introducing stronger super clipping to limit its duration, limiting boost power and MGU-K deployment – these are among the first ideas aimed at improving the situation in qualifying and/or races, whether in terms of entertainment or safety.

“I have seen it briefly,” Vettel said when asked about the changes made by the FIA.

“I hope from a sporting point of view – that’s what they are trying to address – it makes the drivers happier. Because ultimately, the drivers are the face of the sport. If they come out of the car and they are full of adrenaline and very excited, it's what makes people excited on the screens and in the stands as well.”