According to Riccardo Ceccarelli, founder of Formula Medicine and long-time mental coach in Formula 1, the older generation of drivers could struggle more to adapt to the new, agile 2026 cars. Between complex electric energy management and active aerodynamics, the challenge is not only physical but deeply mental. After hearing the complaints from Max Verstappen about the new machinery, the Viareggio-based doctor places the Dutchman among the “mature” drivers. Let’s explore why.
After the second testing session in Bahrain, the drivers’ paddock appears split in two: on one side those who openly criticized the new regulations, and on the other those who tried to justify the increased difficulty in driving these next-generation cars. The F1 Commission, midway through the week, also discussed potential regulatory adjustments to address certain issues that triggered strong controversy. It remains difficult to determine how much of the criticism was based on objective challenges and how much may have been influenced by political positioning within the sport.
One thing is certain: among the more vocal critics there is a noticeable prevalence of drivers with longer careers behind them. Max Verstappen is also on that list, having been one of the most outspoken regarding the behavior of the new agile cars. We asked Dr. Riccardo Ceccarelli whether age plays a role in this reaction.
“Instinctively, I feel like placing Max among the older drivers.”
Isn’t that a bit early considering he is only 28 years old?
“Of course, it’s early in terms of biological age, but not when you consider his competitive longevity. We must not forget that he debuted at 17 and already has 233 Grands Prix behind him. So Max can be considered a young-old driver, also in terms of mentality.”
Energy management and active aerodynamics: a generational divide?
Will the more experienced drivers struggle with managing electric energy recovery and active aerodynamics?
“Drivers who come from an old-school mentality, like Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso, are clearly facing a major and very difficult transition. I’ve spoken with engineers, and they assure me that managing the electric energy will be extremely complex because it won’t be enough to cover an entire lap. Engineers will need to give precise instructions for the out-lap, for the qualifying lap and, of course, during the race.”
For drivers who were used to flat-out Grands Prix from lights out to the checkered flag, accepting heavy constraints on driving style will not be easy: short-shifting into first gear in certain corners or performing lift-and-coast on longer straights could become standard practice.
“The driver will be subjected to a higher mental workload. He won’t be able to afford management errors that could compromise performance. Before qualifying, he will need to be careful not to make mistakes on the out-lap, otherwise he risks starting the timed lap without sufficient electric power. It’s clear that, at least initially, performance will be the result of the best possible collaboration between driver and team.”
“It’s normal that the romantics, the old-style drivers with a heavy right foot, could feel destabilized by the 2026 championship, while the new generation is more ready to absorb the new rules and has fewer preconceptions. Younger drivers are less rigid and carry great enthusiasm. For many of them, simply being in Formula 1 is already an achievement and a source of satisfaction. It doesn’t surprise me at all that there could be a divide between generations. We should also add that the teams themselves are still trying to fully understand how these cars must be managed.”
The biggest shift in modern F1?
We are facing what could be the most significant transformation in modern Formula 1, and the feeling is that nine days of testing were not enough to fully understand these cars.
“Speaking with people inside the paddock, they tell me it could take up to six months to interpret these F1 cars in the most efficient way, because there is so much to explore. Since everything moves quickly in Grands Prix, it might take less than half a year, but we need to separate opinions from prejudices and find the right balance.”
“In the meantime, I expect a more colorful show, with Formula 1 moving in the direction of emotions and overtaking, following the concepts Liberty Media has developed since taking control of the championship.”
“There is a logical thread linking the increased electric component in power unit performance to the emphasis on sustainability as a social value. Perhaps in the first races we will see obvious mistakes that could influence results. However, testing indications show the four top teams relatively close together, with the others trailing and possibly split into two further groups.”
Will we move from a grid covered by just over one second to gaps of more than three seconds?
“Yes, that is possible. It is assumed that one or two teams could be more than four seconds behind. But development will be very rapid. There will be an initial price to pay, yet we could see performance levels change during the season, giving us races that are far from predictable.”
Mercedes favorite, Red Bull surprise, Ferrari the unknown
Mercedes, fearing regulatory intervention, may have kept a low profile, and Toto Wolff appears to have won the winter battle regarding rule interpretation.
“Mercedes is the big favorite, but Red Bull is surprising everyone because its debut as a power unit manufacturer is proving much better than expected. The real question is whether the teams not powered by the three-pointed star will be competitive. Some, fearing reliability problems, have kept the power output turned down. There are many uncertainties after such a major rule change. Around Formula 1, a lot of curiosity has been created, but without solid certainties.”
Ferrari, meanwhile, seems consistent.
“It’s easy to bet on Mercedes and McLaren, who benefit from the Brixworth engine considered by many to be the best. But we will have to watch Ferrari, which always offers some hope. The reliability of the SF-26 has appeared good, and performance looked encouraging as well. The real truth, however, will only emerge at the end of qualifying in Australia.”
The 2026 season represents a fascinating bridge between traditional racing values and the cutting-edge future of sustainable technology. While the initial technical hurdles may seem daunting to the established stars, the rapid pace of development promises a championship that will evolve weekend by weekend. Whether you are a fan of the old-school grit or the new-age precision, the upcoming Australian Grand Prix is set to be a milestone event in the history of the sport.
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