Tag: formula

Explore the latest developments concerning Formula 1 boss.

Formula 1 boss hits back at Verstappen, Hamilton over rule criticism

You have reached ESPN's Australian edition. Stay on current site or go to US version.

Aston Martin warns engine vibrations could risk permanent nerve damage for Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll and reveals they may not finish opening Australian Grand Prix. (5:05)

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hit back at drivers criticizing the sport's new regulations, saying it is "wrong" for the likes of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton to speak negatively about F1.

This weekend's Australian Grand Prix will mark the start of a new era of F1, which has been heralded as the biggest rule change in the sport's 76-year history.

Five things Max Verstappen hates about the new F1 cars

Max Verstappen is rarely short of an unvarnished opinion, but even by his standards he’s been shockingly blunt about the all-new 2026 Formula 1 cars. In short, he hates them.

With a new powertrain that relies more on electric energy, narrower tyres, more complex aerodynamic rules and a requirement for the driver to carefully manage energy deployment, the cars are a long way from the sort of pure racing Verstappen adores.

It could still be an intriguing season for spectators, but for Max? Well, here are five things he’s not so thrilled about:

This is the key complaint. The 2026 F1 car requires careful energy management, with the driver having to “harvest” a lot more electrical energy under braking to feed the new vehicles’ larger batteries.

Bottas bucks driver criticism of new F1 rules

While world champion Max Verstappen has famously described the new generation as Formula E on steroids, Bottas says he actually enjoys driving them.

I like that the cars are smaller and lighter than before, the Cadillac driver told Iltalehti.

You can tell when you're driving. The car doesn't feel as big, clumsy and heavy as it used to.

The 36-year-old Finn admitted the behaviour of the cars has changed significantly.

The difference from before is significant, he said. The drivability of the engine, how it behaves, and how you have to play with the batteries in the corners and on the straights require a very different driving style.

For more detailed information, explore updates concerning Formula 1 boss.

For more news…