New rules have brought controversy to the 2026 Formula 1 season.

This season the International Automobile Federation or the FIA, the governing body for F1, mandated changes to the cars that have sparked backlash from multiple drivers, including Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Carlos Sainz.

This season’s regulations added half combustion, half electric powertrains as well as front active aero with different modes that allow a boost button. The cars also have been shrunk down considerably, losing 66 pounds, and they now use narrower tires.  

Verstappen has been the most vocal with his criticisms, mainly about the new half electric powertrain, which is much more electric than before. ”It’s not fun at all,” he said in an ESPN article. It’s playing Mario Kart. This is not racing.”

Hamilton has not been as critical, but he is not happy with the cars. He has said he believes that the batteries make racing too complex, with the need to coast when recharging the battery. 

Sainz has said that the new regulations deviate from the idea of F1, and that the use of a boost button makes overtaking unnatural.

The fan base hasn’t been really receptive to the new regulations, based on online comments.

There has been a call for FIA to adjust the regulations to allow a more traditional style of racing. Given the criticism from some drivers and fans, maybe FIA will seek a compromise.