Vettel defends 2026 F1 cars amid 'button overtaking' criticism

Sebastian Vettel has pushed back against criticism of F1's new 2026 cars, insisting the sport remains exciting despite concerns that overtaking now relies more on a button than driver skill. Speaking at Monza after driving Michael Schumacher's 2002 Ferrari, the four-time champion said today's machines carry the same spirit as their pioneering predecessors.

Why it matters:

Vettel's voice carries weight as a modern legend who respects F1's history. His defense offers a counterpoint to current drivers' complaints, just as the FIA prepares to modify the 2026 power units.

The details:

• Vettel acknowledged drivers want the best car and wins, but questioned what "best" means: the 2002 Ferrari was state-of-the-art in its day, and today's cars are too.
• He said current cars represent "performance, precision, discipline, hard work - but also responsibility," and are trying to care for the future.
• He admitted he doesn't agree with everything in the regulations from a driving point of view, but stressed F1 is in a healthy position.
• The FIA has already confirmed changes to the power units in the next couple of years to improve the driver experience.
• Vettel believes tradition and progress can coexist: "One doesn't have to exclude the other."

What's next:

The debate over the 2026 cars won't fade quickly, but Vettel's balanced stance adds perspective. With FIA tweaks already planned, the question is whether they will satisfy the drivers without losing the new rules' forward-looking vision.