APEX RACEWIRE Newsroom
Colliding worlds in F1: Fans applaud action, drivers criticize engines
While Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali praises the 'super positive' fan reactions to the 2026 engines, top drivers such as Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri express their deep dissatisfaction with the new power sources and 'yo-yo racing'.
By Sanne Vermeer - 2026-07-29T12:50:21.000Z - 3 min read
The new generation of Formula 1 engines, introduced in 2026, creates a clear division in the paddock. While the Formula 1 organization is full of praise for the increased spectacle, the drivers are increasingly calling for changes. The contrast between the perceived fan experience and driver frustration is striking.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently stated that fans are embracing the action on track. According to him, their focus is on the events, without delving into the complex technology behind the engines, such as 'clipping' or energy delivery. These technical details are too complicated for a broad audience, resulting in a predominantly positive perception of the races. He even speaks of a "widely super-positive" reaction.
The criticism from drivers focuses specifically on the phenomenon of 'yo-yo racing'. This arises because differences in the use of electrical energy at various points of the circuit lead to rapid, sometimes artificial, position changes. Such battles for positions feel less like pure racing to the riders and more like a mechanical consequence of energy management.
Various prominent figures have expressed their dissatisfaction. McLaren's Oscar Piastri described the current power units as "a crappy way to race". Grand Prix winner Lando Norris was also critical and believes that Formula 1 has messed up the regulations in an attempt to attract new engine manufacturers, such as Audi. Max Verstappen said he laughed out loud during his first experience driving at Spa-Francorchamps under the 2026 rules in the Red Bull simulator. Fernando Alonso went even further by stating that F1 cars currently emit less energy than Formula 2 cars over a lap of the same circuit.
Domenicali himself has called on the drivers to provide "constructive" feedback, preferably within closed doors. He strongly denied that he tried to censor the riders. According to him, the discussion must take place in a closed setting to arrive at concrete solutions, away from public opinion.
Nevertheless, rapid adjustments have already been made. Although Domenicali repeatedly defended the engine regulations, the organization was quick to respond. Some changes came into effect after the fifth race of the season, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The most drastic change concerns the distribution of energy. Formula 1 plans to abandon the original 50-50 power split between combustion engine and electrical energy. This distribution was a crucial feature of the new power units and was heavily promoted for years prior to their introduction. By 2028, the sport wants to evolve towards a 60-40 ratio, with a larger share for the combustion engine.
This change of course shows that behind the scenes the criticism is indeed taken seriously. The balance between a spectacular show for the fans on the one hand and a fair and satisfying racing product for the drivers on the other remains a delicate balancing act for the highest motorsport class. The pressure to find this balance is palpable.