Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has echoed criticisms of Formula 1's 2026 technical regulations, warning that they threaten the sport's core identity. In an interview with Swedish broadcaster SVT, Vettel stressed the need to preserve F1's 'DNA and heart' amid driver and fan concerns over racing dynamics. Governing bodies have responded with modifications to address these issues.
Sebastian Vettel, a former Red Bull and Ferrari driver, expressed sympathy for current drivers facing challenges under the 2026 rules. 'From a sporting side, I hear and echo the criticism, because the cars are probably fun to drive, but it is probably not so much fun to race because of the regulations and the difficulties that come with that,' Vettel told SVT. He added, 'I am very critical not to lose the DNA and the heart of this sport, which is finding the fastest driver in the fastest machine to win the race.' Max Verstappen has similarly criticized fans who enjoy the new rules, saying they 'don't understand racing.'
