The 2026 Formula 1 season has been heavily criticised by sections of the public and long-time fans. The opening three rounds of the championship in March attracted the harshest reactions, with familiar complaints echoing across the paddock and social media: “Too much electric power, energy recovery is boring, super-clipping doesn’t work, the regulations are too complicated, nobody understands what’s going on…”
Of course, the Japanese Grand Prix also exposed some limitations from a safety perspective, prompting FIA intervention. However, those adjustments appear to have helped improve the on-track spectacle, at least based on what fans witnessed at the Miami Grand Prix.
Hulkenberg responds to critics: “Formula 1 has to keep up with the times”
Asked to share his opinion on the debut of the 2026 regulations and the wave of negative fan reaction, Audi driver Nico Hulkenberg—formerly of Sauber—offered a direct and thought-provoking response to Formula 1 supporters:
“Formula 1 adapts to the times. If you look at what was happening in the automotive industry five or ten years ago, things are very different now. I think the opening races of the year have been very entertaining. They’ve had plenty of action and have been enjoyable to watch. There’s always the question of personal taste—you may like it or you may not—but if you don’t like it, you don’t have to watch. It’s not mandatory,” he told The Drive.
“Reality is different from what people may wish for,” the German driver continued, expanding on his earlier point. Formula 1 has always inspired strong opinions—you either love certain eras or dislike them—and in seasons like 2026, technical compromises are sometimes unavoidable.
“I’d be the first, like many of you, to want to race again with a V10 or a V12. Who doesn’t love the old-school era? A few years ago, sustainability was discussed far more than it is now. I think Formula 1 and the governing bodies pushed toward the current concept in order to adapt to the times. Unfortunately, at a certain point, you have to follow this direction if you want to keep up with modern developments while also maintaining a legitimate business model.”
Formula 1 could already be moving toward another engine shift
Based on the information beginning to emerge, Formula 1 may already be preparing to move back toward a stronger internal combustion engine presence compared to the electric component. From 2027, the balance is expected to shift from the current 50/50 split to a 60% contribution from the ICE and 40% from battery power.
With the next regulatory cycle expected to begin around 2030 or 2031—a topic likely to dominate discussion this summer—the sport could even return to V8 engines supported by a much smaller battery system than the one currently in use.
Times change, and Formula 1 evolves with them. Few expected synthetic fuels to unlock this level of energy potential, but now that the sport has a clearer understanding of the technology, the appropriate corrections may follow to bring back an even more competitive and spectacular Formula 1 in the future.
For now, the message appears simple: patience may be required.
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