Sebastian Vettel reacts to F1 regulation changes as ‘critical’ warning sent to the FIA

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Sebastian Vettel has sent a clear warning to the FIA while reacting to the upcoming changes to the Formula 1 regulations.

Since the 2026 F1 season began, the major talking point has been the brand-new regulations introduced by the sport’s governing body, the FIA.

From this year onwards, cars are smaller, lighter and more reliant on battery power, which promised to promote better on-track action.

However, several drivers have already criticised the new regulations, with Max Verstappen calling them ‘anti-driving’.

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Following the Japanese Grand Prix, it was even reported that Verstappen could walk away from F1 if no improvements are made.

This week, it was announced that several amendments are set to be made to the regulations. 

For example, there is the hope that ‘superclipping’ will be limited during qualifying by reducing the amount of energy recharge to 7 MJ and increasing the amount of power recovered at full throttle to 350kW.

The amount of boost has also been limited during the race after Oliver Bearman’s huge crash at the Japanese Grand Prix. 

Sebastian Vettel reacts to Formula 1 regulation changes

Speaking to Swedish media outlet SVT, four-time world champion Vettel has now reacted to the changes. 

The German, who raced for Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin during his F1 career, claimed that it is ‘critical’ for the FIA to keep the DNA of the sport alive.

Vettel said: “From the sporting side, I hear and I echo the criticism because the cars are probably fun to drive, but not so much fun to race because of the regulations and the difficulties that come with that.

“So, I sympathise with the drivers and I’m very critical not to lose the DNA and the heart of the sport, which is finding the fastest driver in the fastest machine to win the race. 

“I’ve seen it briefly. I hope from a sporting point of view that what they are trying to address makes the drivers happier. Ultimately, the drivers are the face of the sport, they come out of the car and full of adrenaline and very excited. It’s what makes people in the stands excited as well.”

Should F1 make small tweaks to the rules, rather than major changes?

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READ MORE: F1 fans livid over race start rule change that the FIA ‘snuck’ into updated regulations

James Vowles praises ‘sensible’ decision to implement changes

Williams team boss Vowles took to social media to react to the rule changes, labelling them as ‘sensible’.

Taking to X, Vowles wrote: “These are sensible changes and the teams, FIA and Formula 1 have done good work over the past few weeks to agree them.

“F1 has seen some great racing so far this year but it is right that we always look at ways to keep improving. We look forward to seeing them in action from Miami onwards.”