The new Formula 1 regulations for 2026 are complex: former world champion Sebastian Vettel warns that “you really have to explain what happened and what’s behind it.”
Whether it’s active aerodynamics, the new overtaking mode, or the troublesome energy management system, the new regulations are bringing numerous innovations to Formula 1 this season. And one might rightly ask: Which traditional fan is supposed to understand all this?
This is a problem that former world champion Sebastian Vettel also recognizes. “At the moment, Formula 1 is totally in vogue and people think it’s really cool,” says the German, but at the same time warns: “It’s now crucial to stay on this high. You really have to explain what has happened and what’s behind it.”
Transparency about what the new regulations are all about and how they work is essential. “Then it may be that in a few years’ time, we’ll be at a crossroads again and have to ask ourselves, where is Formula 1 really going?” “And of course, there are different approaches,” adds Vettel at Sport und Talk in Hanger 7. “From a driver’s point of view, you want the cars to be fast. You want the cars to be aggressive. You want to be able to push and you don’t want to be so busy turning buttons or sticking to certain modes.”
It’s also not the drivers’ wish to “go from one meeting to the next,” but that’s just the way modern Formula 1 is, says Vettel. “Meetings are there, meetings are long, and it’s also a way to make a difference.”
Sebastian Vettel: You have to be patient
The four-time world champion is deliberately holding back on criticism of the new regulations. “I haven’t driven the cars, so I can’t make a final judgement,” says Vettel, who nevertheless admits that it’s “a bit much at the moment.”
That’s why the German has two wishes: “Firstly, that people try to explain it well and make an effort, especially at the beginning, to be a little patient. And then try to assess quite quickly whether this is the right way or whether there might be other ways.”
The 38-year-old emphasizes that it will take time. “We can’t draw any conclusions yet, it’s too early for that,” warns Vettel. “But there are a lot of changes, a lot of new and exciting things, and it’s interesting to get a first impression.”
“Of course, it always depends on where you stand, and some will already have a pretty good feeling, while others may have less at the moment,” the German ponders. “I think it will level out, but the challenges are already very big and the changes are also quite drastic.”