Rosberg makes bold claim on F1 2026 regulations as criticism grows

A huge overhaul in regulations came into force for the 2026 season, including a 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power, as well as DRS being replaced by active aerodynamics.

The increased use of electrical energy has seen battery power, deployment and recharging all become vital aspects of racing, and while overtaking and battling are easier than they were in 2025 due to the new regulations, staunch criticism from many across the F1 world has also occurred.

However, Rosberg believes the positives from the first three Grands Prix of the season currently outweigh the negatives.

“There is a lot of criticism at the moment because you can see, like at the last race [Japanese Grand Prix], 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," the German said while speaking to Bloomberg.

Despite some optimism from Rosberg, current drivers on the grid have been less than impressed by the 2026 regulations.

Four-time World Champion Max Verstappen has been one of the most critical of the current drivers regarding the new regulations, while Charles Leclerc also agreed with Lando Norris' thoughts early on in the season.

A heavy crash involving Oliver Bearman at the Japanese Grand Prix resulted in yet more criticism, but changes are not likely to have any effect on the current campaign.