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Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has defended Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations following Max Verstappen’s recent critique about them being ‘anti-racing’.
With one week of testing now in the books, the new F1 regulations have taken quite the bashing from the current crop of drivers.
The most damning verdict has come from four-time world champion Max Verstappen, whose sentiments have been corroborated by Lewis Hamilton.
Both of the sport’s most recognisable names believe F1 is losing its identity with the new ruleset.
The root of the frustration stems from F1’s shift to a 50/50 split between electrical energy and combustion power.
The increase in electrical power has seen the emergence of more energy management, something that Fernando Alonso has already branded as ‘annoying’.
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Fred Vasseur has defended F1’s new regulations following Max Verstappen’s ‘anti-racing’ outburst
After Verstappen labelled the new F1 regulations as being ‘anti-racing’, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has leapt to its defence after highlighting how a new ruleset often brings comments of doubt.
He told journalists following the conclusion of the first pre-season test in Bahrain, via Motorsport, “I think the same comments were made in 2022, and the 2022-2025 period was probably the best for F1.
“I understand the drivers’ feelings: when you arrive in Bahrain, and you’re a little slower than the year before, your first reaction is to want to drive something very fast.
“But after half a session, or a session, their focus will be just to be faster than the others. It won’t be a question of doing 1’31” or 1’35”, but of knowing what the others’ times are.
“It’s in their DNA and in the DNA of every team. I’m sure it won’t be any different.”
The Scuderia have seemingly hit the ground running from the tests that have been completed so far.
After showcasing good reliability at the initial shakedown test in Barcelona, Ferrari’s impressive programme in Sakhir has been grounds for some premature excitement from the tifosi.
What’s more, the SF-26 is yet to reach its finalised form ahead of the season-opener in Australia.
Ferrari are expected to bring a swathe of upgrades to the second scheduled test in Bahrain next week, before analysing the data and settling on the most optimal chassis for their star-studded driver line-up.
- READ MORE: Ferrari plan ‘significant investigation’ into new engine braking issue following Bahrain test data
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Fred Vasseur’s defence of the new regulations may stem from Ferrari’s good first impression
Heading into the new season of racing, it’s clear that Vasseur’s future at Maranello hinges on Ferrari’s success.
It’s been a rather disappointing few years for the iconic Italian racing outfit. If a trophy isn’t brought back to Maranello at the end of the season, it would mark the 18th season without silverware for Ferrari, their longest drought in the Prancing Horse’s F1 history.
Hamilton led the rest of the grid in race pace simulations in Bahrain, which further indicates that Ferrari have the strongest package at this stage of development.
If the Scuderia have well and truly nailed the new regulations, then it’s no surprise at all that the Frenchman has leapt to the FIA’s defence over the sport’s latest rulebook.
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