F1 star asks fans to stop watching as an alternative way to respond to critics of the 2026 rule changes
A current F1 driver has given a bold reply to fans who don’t like the 2026 rule changes, saying that if they’re not entertained, they “don’t have to watch” the sport.
The new 2026 F1 engine rules have sparked a lot of debate among fans, experts, and drivers. Max Verstappen has been one of the biggest critics. He compared F1 to Formula E and said it’s less “fun” than before. The Red Bull driver even called the rules “anti-racing” and joked they feel like “playing Mario Kart.” Other drivers like Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and Fernando Alonso have also shared their worries about the changes.
Some tweaks to the rules started at the Miami Grand Prix, and more changes were announced for 2027 on May 8. The FIA said they’ve agreed in principle with engine makers like Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull Powertrains, Audi, and Honda. The reports say the 2027 engines might run on a mix of 55/45 or 60/40 between combustion and electric power.
Verstappen thinks an 80/20 split would be better. He told Autosport, “We need to move away from the 55–45 split. Going back to at least 75% or 80% combustion engines would help a lot.”
On the other hand, Audi driver Nico Hülkenberg feels the sport needs to “go with the times.” In an interview with The Drive, he said, “F1 is about leading technology, and the world is changing. Cars today are very different from five or ten years ago. The first races of 2026 have been exciting with lots of on-track action. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to watch.”
Hülkenberg started in F1 in 2010 when cars had 2.4-litre V8 engines. Since then, the sport moved to 1.6-litre V6 engines with hybrid power in 2014. He added, “Some of us miss the old V10 and V12 engines—including me—but things have changed. A few years ago, sustainability was a big deal, and F1 had to adjust to that. If F1 wants to stay modern and successful, it has to keep moving forward.”
F1 is back in Canada on May 24.