Carlo Vanzini criticises F1 drivers: “Too late to complain about the new cars”. F1 commentator Carlo Vanzini criticises drivers over recent complaints about the current F1 regulations.

After the drivers completed the first day of testing in Bahrain, there were many confused reactions across the paddock. Initially, it was believed that the negative impressions seen in Barcelona were simply due to cars still being in an “embryonic” development stage, but those concerns did not disappear after the first upgrades were introduced. In fact, it soon became clear that several issues were present, such as launch lag off the line and power delivery drops during energy recovery phases.

From that point on, criticism and debate have not stopped. After every Grand Prix, drivers have been seen speaking to the media with frustrated expressions — except, of course, when George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli are interviewed.

The serious accident involving Oliver Bearman at Suzuka was the moment that escalated the situation further, making a formal discussion with the FIA almost unavoidable. On April 9, teams and technical representatives met in Paris to analyse possible solutions to what many drivers describe as a complicated and unexciting set of regulations.

The first meeting did not produce significant results, and further discussions are expected in the coming days. However, whatever conclusions are reached, it is clear that not everyone will be satisfied.

In this tense atmosphere, much of the criticism has been directed at the FIA and Nikolas Tombazis. However, according to Carlo Vanzini, the drivers themselves also share responsibility.

“You had two years to test these cars in the simulator, but only Verstappen complained, and even then just once. The drivers had time to sort things out — behind the scenes they were talking about these regulations for years — but everyone was waiting because they thought they would gain an advantage, and then they realised they are not good enough. If everyone had a Mercedes, we would be here enjoying a great championship,” the journalist said on his YouTube channel.

This ongoing debate over the 2026 technical regulations highlights the delicate balance between innovation and driver satisfaction in Formula 1. By examining the roles of both the FIA and the drivers themselves, the sport must find a way to ensure that the “pinnacle of motorsport” remains both a technical marvel and an engaging spectacle for fans and competitors alike.