Formula 1 is set to enter a new era of competition in 2026. Not only will there be new aerodynamic regulations, but the power units will also receive a major overhaul. From next year onwards, electrical power will play a much larger role in racing, with a 50/50 split between internal combustion engine and electrical energy. Lance Stroll has voiced his opinion on these changes, but not in a good way.
The Canadian driver has joined the conversation about the new 2026 regulations and given quite some negative feedback on the new package. A package that is designed with the environment in mind.
Lance Stroll sees no future in new F1 regulations after simulator test
In the recent past, there have been many rumours about what the new cars will look like and how they will behave on track. One of the most controversial among them is that cars will likely lose power on long straights on high-speed tracks. Stroll has commented on his most recent experience with the new car in the simulator while speaking to racingnews365:
“We’ll get a bit of an idea in the test and then in Australia, but the regulations, I think, are a bit sad, I have driven it in the sim, and that’s why I’m a bit sad. It is a shame that in Formula 1, we’re taking the path of electric energy, and we’ve had to take all the downforce off to support the battery power.”
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In the current era of Formula 1, downforce has been the sole focus of the car, with the floor as the main generator of it. Cars can go through corners very quickly thanks to it, and we’ve seen great battles across the seasons throughout the field. Stroll has expressed concern about the next chapter in Formula 1 losing that piece of authenticity.
Stroll believes Formula 1 is moving in the wrong direction with 2026 rules
For years now, drivers and fans alike have complained about cars getting bigger, heavier and way too complicated. The Canadian driver would like to see changes made to battle these complaints
“It would just be fun to see some light, nimble, fast cars with lots of downforce, and just to simplify the whole thing a little bit, so less of an energy battery championship science project and more of a Formula 1 racing championship.”
“So I don’t love the idea of the new regulations, and I think a lot of the drivers can agree on that, and I don’t think some of them can talk about it for political reasons.”
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There have been many drivers who have commented on the new regulations, and the opinions seem to be unanimous. However, we will have to wait until the start of next season to see if these doubts, concerns and rumours actually have any truth to them. What do you think of the new regulations and their changes? Leave them in the comments below.
