Bernie Ecclestone has sided with Max Verstappen over concerns regarding Formula 1‘s 2026 technical regulations overhaul.
Verstappen delivered a less-than-flattering verdict on the 2026 cars during the pre-season tests held at the Bahrain International Circuit, earlier this month.
The four-time F1 Champion had remarked that the current generation of cars were more like “Formula E on steroids” and that he didn’t particularly enjoy driving them.
Ecclestone, who gave up the reigns to the championship in 2017, has now echoed the Dutchman’s sentiments, suggesting that the sport may be dangerously close to losing its fans.
The 2026 technical rule-set has introduced a revamped engine formula, with a 50-50 split between electric and combustion energy demanding strict recharging.
Drivers would have to completely morph their driving styles to accommodate the inherent characteristics of the 2026 power units.
The 95-year-old highlighted how this would mean that the fans would also have to “relearn” the sport as the on-track action, which he reckons is now competing with the likes of Formula E, will also undergo a drastic change.
“There will be confusion at the start of the season because everyone has to relearn Formula 1,” he told RTL/ntv and sport.de.
“And the rules certainly don’t favour Max Verstappen and his style of driving.”
F1 faces real “danger” of losing its appeal says Ecclestone
Verstappen, who is often known for his all-out, aggressive driving style will have to compromise to extract the maximum out of his RB22.
This would mean concerted lifting and coasting along with searching higher revs in slow corners to top up his battery pack.
The 28-year-old’s first impressions, hence, prodded him to question the direction that the sport’s DNA was heading towards. Ecclestone seems to resoundingly agree.
“It’s less about racing,” Ecclestone added. “But that’s how things are developing: more regulations, more rules for the drivers, don’t do this, don’t do that.
“Formula 1 is now competing more with Formula E. Maybe the fans like that, but I don’t think so. The danger is that we’ll lose the fans. I sincerely hope I’m wrong.”
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