Formula 1: Sebastian Vettel Speaks Out on 2026 Regulations

A few days after the FIA’s announcement regarding the controversial 2026 regulation changes, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has spoken out about the new regulations and associated guidelines.

The F1 governing bodies reportedly would have preferred the 2026 season to start in a calmer context. However, with issues like excessive super-clipping, speed loss in qualifying, so-called “artificial” overtakes, and accidents like those of Bearman and Colapinto at Suzuka, the 2026 regulations struggle to convince.

F1: Expected Changes for Miami

The spring break, imposed due to the Middle East conflict, has allowed the FIA to implement measures to address the aforementioned issues: reducing super-clipping, less pronounced speed differentials in races, and drivers being less dependent on their batteries in qualifying.

Although these measures will take effect from the Miami Grand Prix in less than a week, Sebastian Vettel, interviewed by the Swedish channel SVT, has shared his thoughts on the matter.

“I hope that from a sporting perspective, which is what they are trying to correct, it will make the drivers happier because ultimately, the drivers are the face of the sport. If they get out of their cars full of adrenaline and very enthusiastic, that’s what excites the viewers in front of their screens and in the stands as well,” declared the German driver.

“Determining the fastest driver in the fastest car”

For the four-time world champion, the sporting aspect is paramount. As a former F1 driver himself, he understands the criticisms of his peers. Even though Lewis Hamilton has stated that the current cars are more enjoyable to drive, most drivers share the same opinion: they have become too dependent on their batteries in race conditions.

“From a sporting perspective, I hear these criticisms, and I agree with them because these cars are probably fun to drive, but it’s probably not very pleasant to race with them due to the regulations and the resulting difficulties,” Vettel added.

“I understand the drivers, and I absolutely insist that we do not lose the DNA and the essence of this sport, which is about determining who is the fastest driver in the fastest car,” he continued.

Hoping that the planned measures for the Miami Grand Prix will help address the problems associated with these regulations encountered at the beginning of the season. Even though Vettel currently does not race in F1, he is still legitimate to speak on the subject, especially considering his particularly impressive track record.

Sebastian Vettel in the premier category is: four-time world champion, with 53 wins, 122 podiums, and 57 pole positions. Over a 15-year career that started with BMW and Red Bull’s Toro Rosso team (now Racing Bulls), highlighted by his first pole position and victory at a rainy Monza in 2008. He went on to become a four-time world champion between 2010 and 2013 with the main team.

Subsequently, Vettel joined Ferrari between 2015 and 2020, failing to achieve every F1 driver’s dream of winning a world championship with the Scuderia.

He spent his last two seasons in F1 with Aston Martin before leaving the sport at the end of 2022, handing over his seat to Fernando Alonso at the British team.

Article published on 04/24/2026 at 5:59 AM