Ex-F1 driver argues 'audience figures' decide success of 2026 regulations

Many drivers, including world champions Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, have heavily criticised the current Formula 1 regulations.

The Dutchman previous explained: "It's not fun at all, no. It's playing Mario Kart. This is not racing. Look at the racing, you are boosting past and then you run out of battery the next straight, they boost past you again. For me it's just a joke."

Verstappen then warned: "It will eventually ruin the sport. It will come back and bite them in the ass."

The Belgian argues that the important thing is the audience’s response to the current racing.

He told Motorsport.com: "We must not make the mistake of comparing yesterday’s F1 with today’s. My opinion doesn’t matter. What matters is looking at how the audience is doing.

He continued: "In my time, we really saw only four parameters on the dashboard. It was a different era compared to this one, where drivers have to think about many more things. But the audience is the key to the success of motorsport.

This week, the FIA and F1 teams agreed on changes to the 2026 regulations. These include adjustments to improve qualifying and driver safety. The season continues next weekend with the Miami Grand Prix in the United States