The new Formula 1 cars have been receiving mixed reviews from the champions after F1 made the biggest rule change in its history. The sport has rolled out fresh regulations covering almost every key area of the car. That includes the engines, chassis, fuel, and tyres. It’s a complete reset in many ways, and naturally, it’s going to take some time for the champions to get used to.
What’s Different In Formula 1 2026 Cars This Time?
One of the biggest changes comes under the hood. The new F1 cars will run on updated power units that rely much more on electrical energy than before. On paper, that sounds exciting and forward-thinking.
But there’s a catch. Drivers will now have to carefully manage and recharge the battery while they’re racing. That means they cannot simply push flat out all the time. Instead, they will need to think about energy levels and plan when to use the extra electrical boost.
Because of these new rules, drivers may have to slow down before corners to recharge the battery. In simple terms, they will need to balance speed with energy management throughout the race.
For fans used to seeing drivers attack every lap without compromise, this shift could feel different. It adds a strategic layer, but it also changes the natural flow of racing.
With so many major adjustments happening at once, it’s no surprise that reactions have been mixed. The new era of Formula 1 is here, but whether it delivers better racing is something only time will tell.
Max Verstappen says F1’s new cars are the worst
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen has gained all the unwanted attention from the internet after he described the new technical regulations by Formula 1 as “Formula E on steroids” last week.
It has to be noted that Max Verstappen has been one of the biggest critics of the new design. He has once again made the heads turn by strongly criticising the new Formula 1 2026 cars. Max made a brutal remark on the new F1 2026 cars by claiming that they are the worst cars he has ever driven.
For Max Verstappen, racing like this is no fun. During the ‘Up to Speed’ podcast, Naomi Schiff asked Max, out of all the F1 eras he has raced in, whether the 2026 season was his favourite. Responding to which, Max confessed that it was the exact opposite.
“I would say least favourite, because the word that you can use for the whole year will be management,” Verstappen explained.
“At the end of the day when you go into competition, you will always do the best you can with what you have because it’s the same for everyone. Sometimes things can be more enjoyable than others, and for me, personally, it’s not so enjoyable.
“But I do know when I sit in the car, I will give it my best because of the people who have designed the car and the engine this year, which has been incredible to witness how these guys have started from zero and have given us a power unit that is running well, we don’t have issues.
“Is it fast enough? I have no idea we have to wait and see. But honestly, it’s incredible to work with all these great people and for me to then say it’s the least enjoyable, it’s not very nice, but I also want to say that I know when I sit in the car, I will always give it my very best. It’s not pure Formula 1, if anything I could tell you it’s more like Formula E on steroids!”
Fernando Alonso Also Criticised New F1 Cars
Fernando Alonso, who is another big name in the Formula 1 world, expressed the same emotions as he also criticised the new F1 cars. He claimed that the new Formula 1 cars are less demanding in terms of high speed. He claimed, “You’re always on the limit on the grip. It depends on the corners. You’re always on the limit on the grip in a rental car if you push to the limit. But the high-speed corners, especially, I think it’s less challenging. You have to say that. There’s nothing wrong with saying that. From a driver’s point of view, the skills matter less because you can go as fast as the energy choice you make before that corner, so it’s a different Formula One.”
Lewis Hamilton Claimed That The New F1 Cars Are “More Fun” To Drive
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has made a completely opposite statement as he claimed that this year’s Formula 1 cars are “more fun” to drive. Hamilton feels the new F1 cars are more enjoyable and controllable. “We just have a less downforce, the Ferrari driver said. But you still have to discover the grip. There’s still so many elements completely under our control. So, it’s just different, and new, and I still find it quite fun. The cars are more fun to drive. They’re easier to correct. So you have snaps and keep them on track. The previous year’s cars were a bit too on edge.”
ALSO READ: From Underdogs to Giant-Killers: The Remarkable Rise Of Zimbabwe Cricket
