With the first Formula 1 season under the new technical regulations approaching its halfway point, the summer break provides a good opportunity to take stock. The 2026 rules, with their much greater emphasis on electric power, have sparked considerable debate both in and outside the paddock.
F1 insists that fan ratings – for example in its own Formula 1 Fan Voice programme – have been largely positive, but drivers have been far more critical.
Max Verstappen described the power unit regulations as “Formula E on steroids” during winter testing in Bahrain, while Oscar Piastri spoke at Spa-Francorchamps about the “s
