Sebastian Vettel Warns on F1 2026 Regulations: Concerns Over Racing Quality and Cost
Why it matters: Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel has voiced strong skepticism about the upcoming F1 2026 regulations, drawing parallels to the problematic 2014 hybrid era. His concerns highlight potential issues regarding racing quality, escalating costs, and the sport's relevance.
The big picture: The 2026 season will introduce a comprehensive overhaul across chassis, aerodynamics, and power units. New PUs will be 50% internal combustion and 50% electric, running on fully sustainable fuels. Moveable aerodynamics aim to replace DRS, and reduced car weight targets more agile racing.
Vettel's concerns: Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Vettel detailed several issues:
- 2014 Comparison: He likened the 2026 changes to the 2014 hybrid introduction, which, despite good principles, led to excessive developmental costs with minimal improvement in on-track action.
- Engine Complexity & Cost: Vettel believes the current engines are too expensive and complex, with little transfer to series production. He fears 2026 might repeat this, despite intentions to attract new manufacturers.
- Energy Recovery: While supportive of energy recovery, he questions the decision to recover energy only from the rear axle, ignoring the front.
- Sustainable Fuels: He sees climate-neutral fuels as beneficial for global mobility (shipping, aircraft, existing vehicles) but warns against an unchecked F1 development race, advocating for limiting fuel molecule origins for relevance.
- Car Weight: Despite planned weight reductions, Vettel considers it “a drop in the ocean,” arguing the cars will still be far too heavy.
- Relevance Shift: He suggests F1 technology is becoming less relevant to production cars, shifting the sport's emphasis from technological transfer to pure entertainment.
What's next: Vettel, along with other drivers who have tested 2026 sim versions, remains unconvinced that the new rules will lead to better racing or a more sustainable financial model. The true impact of these regulations will only become clear when the new cars hit the track.