Ecclestone raises red flag over F1’s shift amid growing regulation criticism

The Formula 1 supremo, in his assessment of the new regulations, began with a cheeky response to comments made by Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso, before admitting that some confusion is expected at the start of sweeping changes to the sport’s rules.

"So now we're looking for the best cook – we're keeping our eyes open, and we'll see. There will be confusion at the start of the season because everyone has to relearn Formula 1,” Ecclestone said via Sports.de.

The 95-year-old also admitted that the new rules do not seem to favour Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, as they place less emphasis on racing and more on compliance with regulations.

“The rules certainly don't favour Verstappen and his style of driving. It's less about racing. But that's how things are developing: more regulations, more rules for the drivers – don't do this, don't do that."

Ecclestone concluded by stressing that Formula 1 has always been a drivers’ championship, not an engineers’ one, and warned that the sport risks losing fans as it increasingly competes with Formula E.

The new F1 regulations have continued to be greeted with mixed reactions, with Verstappen earlier labelling them as feeling like Formula E on steroids.

Earlier, Lando Norris made a surprise turnaround by agreeing with Verstappen about the new regulations.

The 2025 drivers’ champion admitted that the new generation cars feel very different from what he is used to, aligning with Verstappen’s assessment.