2016 Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg has leapt to the defence of the sweeping regulation changes that hit the series this season.
The start of the 2026 season saw the start of a new era of F1 begin, as the sport moves toward a more sustainable future. For the first time in sports history, all 11 teams have power units that feature a 50/50 split between electrical and combustion power.
Despite groundbreaking, the regulations have brought their own unique challenges, all linked to energy management. Drivers have grown increasingly frustrated in both qualifying and race formats, as they have had to change their driving style at certain tracks. Alongside this, new ways of harvesting and deploying energy have created ‘super clipping.’ This is significantly dangerous for drivers on track, as seen by Ollie Bearman’s monstrous 50G crash in Suzuka.
Drivers have been vocal about their distaste with the regulation changes throughout the opening three rounds. Max Verstappen compared the cars to ‘Formula E on steroids’ whilst Charles Leclerc said it felt like driving in “Mario Kart.”
Rosberg believes positives outweigh the regulation complaints
Whilst these criticisms from drivers are widely popular, Nico Rosberg believes that the racing this season has been exciting to watch. In the opening rounds of the season, there were several overtakes and defensive moves by drivers that captivated fans.
Rosberg highlights that the quality of races overrides the growing complaints.
“There is a lot of criticism at the moment because you can see, like at the last race, they go down the straight through a flat out bend, and have to downshift after the bend while still on the straight because the battery power switches off.”
However, the German recognised how it could feel ‘awkward’ for viewers at home. But he remained positive that the racing seen thus far is enough to discount the negatives.
“So, from a spectator’s point of view, it can be a bit awkward when you’re supposed to be going flat out with the highest-performing F1 car,’ Rosberg told Bloomberg.
“Nevertheless, I am easy-going on that, from my point of view, as long as there are great battles between teams and other teams.”
Despite Rosberg’s comments, the FIA have made plans to tweak the regulations after complaints from drivers. Throughout this prolonged break, the FIA will continue to have constructive meetings to apply changes before May’s Miami Grand Prix.
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