F1
The former F1 boss is worried about the direction the sport is taking: "The danger is that we will lose the fans."
© DPPI
Since the start of the preseason of the F1Several drivers have expressed their skepticism about the 2026 F1 cars. Completely redesigned as part of the regulatory changes initiated by the discipline, the new versions are now equipped with 50% electric engines.
These regulations, however, impose unprecedentedly complex energy management constraints, much to the dismay of leading figures in F1, such as... Lewis Hamilton ou Max VerstappenThese concerns are shared by the sport's former chief financial officer, Bernie Ecclestone. There will be some confusion at the start of the season, as everyone will have to relearn Formula 1. " he told RTL/ntv and sport.de.
Frustrated at not being able to drive at full speed Verstappen drew a scathing parallel with the FIA's all-electric racing series, the Formula EWhile the new rules aim to put the driver back at the heart of the game, they nevertheless emphasize power management more than pure attack. The rules certainly don't favor Max Verstappen and his driving style. "This is how Bernie Ecclestone, the former head of F1, points out." It's less about racing. But that's how things are evolving: more regulations, more rules for the drivers, don't do this, don't do that. »
Besides the drivers' open skepticism, Bernie Ecclestone fears alienating fans of the premier category. Formula 1 is now in greater competition with Formula E. Perhaps the fans appreciate this, but I don't think so. warns the former F1 boss. The danger is that we'll lose the fans. I sincerely hope I'm wrong. "The verdict remains pending ahead of the start of the 2026 season, scheduled for March 8 in Melbourne (Australia).
ALSO READ > Verstappen compares the 2026 F1 cars to "Formula E on steroids"
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vincent moyet
01/03/2026 at 04:52 a.m.
JM, that's the crux of the problem. The current championship was born from the desire of World War II aircraft engine manufacturers (for example, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo) to redirect their production towards civilian use, by repurposing some former military airfields into circuits (Silverstone, for example). They were preparing for the era of the American-style "car-centric" economy, and oil was cheap. That era is over. But F1 has been a laboratory from which technologies like wings, ground effect, turbocharging, and carbon fiber have emerged. If it were given a little more freedom in its regulations, it could reclaim that role. But it has fallen into the hands of industrialists whose public products run counter to sporting driving, and promoters who are looking for any way to make money by artificially trying to erase this contradiction.
JM
27/02/2026 at 07:55 a.m.
Formula 1 is a sport from another era. It is inconceivable that a leisure activity could be so destructive to nature.
ROBILLIARD
27/02/2026 at 07:20 a.m.
F1 will survive
Alain Féguenne (🇱🇺 Luxembourg)
27/02/2026 at 04:32 a.m.
It's easy to criticize a former F1 boss... but let's not forget that thanks to him... we're communicating (despite the mistakes everyone makes). But Mr. E (Bernie) is a great... The 2026 F1 technology... goes too far technically, and that's a... mistake! 😎🧐 alainkf1@pt.lu
vincent moyet
27/02/2026 at 11:35 a.m.
Just another example...but as Paul says, who sold F1 to industrial interests that now use it as a technological showcase at the expense of pure sport?
Yves-Henri RANDIER
27/02/2026 at 10:54 a.m.
Excellent comment from Gaillez! That said, how can one disagree with "Il Supremo" who now speaks like a wise old man (understandable after more than 90.000 km!). One advantage of the current era compared to Bernie's is streaming, which allows you to catch up when you're bored watching a Grand Prix, because I've never recorded a race on a VHS tape, preferring live viewing back when F1 was more authentic in terms of pure driving skill!
Paul Lucas
27/02/2026 at 08:51 a.m.
Thanks Bernie for your concern, but it's a bit late, and if F1 is in this mess, it's your fault... selling F1 for profit, what a waste, and I hope you live long enough to see the rapid decline of F1 fans...
Cheer up
27/02/2026 at 08:43 a.m.
That's awful! Back in the days of the knights of single-seater racing, drivers had a full tank of fuel and a set of tires. The winner was the first to reach the end of the 2-hour race or 300km. Supposedly to liven things up and/or give suppliers more visibility, pit stops were introduced, putting pressure on the mechanics. More drivers lost time than they gained playing this game. If, on top of that, management becomes essential, I think F2 and F3 are the closest to the true essence of single-seater racing. Plus, they're spec series. I can't wait for Melbourne. May the best driver win.