Former Verstappen teammate laments 'too much negativity' surrounding F1 2026
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
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Henry Eccles is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs, and features across the F1 calendar. Since joining in 2026, he has produced high-volume reporting on the sport’s biggest stories, alongside feature pieces including analysis and historical content.
Alpine's Pierre Gasly has said that while he believes F1 should change the 2026 energy management rules, there is "too much negativity" surrounding drivers' ability to make a difference under the rule set.
Following a dramatic crash in Japan involving Ollie Bearman and the slower-moving Franco Colapinto, Gasly's Alpine teammate, scrutiny on F1's 2026 rules over battery deployment has only increased.
Several drivers had already voiced their concerns with the 2026 regulations, not least Gasly's former Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen, who has likened current F1 racing to "Mario Kart" and "Formula E on steroids."
Gasly, however, has opted for calm over the new rules, stressing that a driver's skill still plays a crucial role in this year's racing and that F1's April break is a good opportunity to get the sport in "better shape."
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'Too much negativity' surrounding 2026 rules, says Gasly
Photo: Race Pictures
Speaking to media post-Suzuka, the 30-year-old said: "I think, honestly, there's a bit too much negativity around it and I don't like that.
"I really think that we still take too much away from the drivers. When you're driving in sector 1 [at Suzuka] and you've got a certain grip, it doesn't really matter. The battery, all these things, you've still got to be at the limit of the grip you get given.
"Definitely, I agree with what others are feeling, the battery management, etc. I think we all agree. We all see the same stuff. We all speak the same language. We all want the sport to be as good as it can be. I'm sure we'll do what's best.
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"It's a bit of a review. I'm sure [during the] break everyone's going to make the best of it to try to get the F1 in better shape."
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Gasly relishes the Verstappen challenge: 'More at stake against him'
The Frenchman also reflected on his battle with Verstappen in Suzuka, which went all the way to the line as the pair scrapped for P7.
2026 has already been a much better season for Gasly and Alpine, who finished dead-last in the Constructors' last year.
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The former Red Bull man has scored in every Grand Prix so far, and sits in P8 in the standings on 15 points, three ahead of four-time world champion Verstappen.
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