Criticism and applause
This 2026 Formula 1 season will also be remembered for the many controversies surrounding the new technical regulations. Many drivers on several occasions have highlighted the critical aspects of this almost equal split of power between the internal combustion engine and electric motor and without a doubt the most vehement ‘dissenter’ has been the four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who also opened the door to the possibility of retiring from the category.
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The issue was also addressed by the president of the GPDA, the former Austrian driver Alexander Wurz, who in a recent interview wanted to claim the role played precisely by the F1 drivers’ association in modifying, at least partially, the regulations: “There have been many complaints from drivers and insiders – Wurz told the Austrian newspaper Österreich – but this has not damaged the F1 product. On the contrary, the ratings are excellent, even among the younger audience, who stay tuned until the end. Yet it is always said that today’s youth have a limited attention span“.
GPDA fundamental. And Verstappen…
“Verstappen? When one of the main protagonists of recent years questions his future, doubts arise – Wurz acknowledged – only he can provide the answers. I believe even he does not really know where the future will take us. But I assume he will stay in Formula 1. After all, this is where we have the fastest and most beautiful cars. And we can still see that the regulations are improving and moving in the direction he desires. His frustration? I understand it. Perhaps the regulations have been changed too much and too quickly“, said the Austrian.
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“Without the involvement of the GPDA group, the regulations would never have been changed – Wurz proudly claimed – however, out of fairness to the engine manufacturers, they could not be radically changed, only gradually. Much will happen in the next two years. The percentage of combustion engines will increase again, but a hybrid component will remain“, he concluded.
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