F1 star tells fans to stop watching in alternative response to 2026 regulation change critics

A current F1 driver has issued a controversial response to critics of the 2026 regulation changes, suggesting fans “don’t have to watch” the sport if they aren’t entertained.

It’s fair to say the 2026 F1 engine regulation changes have divided opinion among fans, pundits and drivers. Max Verstappen has been one of the most vocal critics, comparing the sport to Formula E and claiming it is less “fun” than in previous years.

The Red Bull driver has also labelled the regulations “anti-racing” and likened them to “playing Mario Kart”, while several other drivers — including Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso — have also raised concerns about the changes.

Refinements, which came into effect for the Miami Grand Prix, have since been made to the rules, with further changes announced for 2027 on May 8.

In a statement, the FIA confirmed an agreement in principle had been reached with power unit manufacturers Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull Powertrains, Audi and Honda.

It is thought the 2027 changes will introduce either a 55/45 or 60/40 split between internal combustion and electrical energy, according to reports.

However, Verstappen has suggested an 80/20 split would “help” more than the proposed alterations.

“We simply need to move away from that 55–45 split,” he told Autosport. “We need to go back towards how it was under the previous hybrid regulations, at the very least. If you get back to 75% or 80% combustion engine, that would already help a lot.”

Hülkenberg issues refreshing take on F1 engine regulations

However, Audi driver Nico Hülkenberg believes the sport has to “go with the times”.

Speaking to The Drive, the German said: “To be honest, it’s always been like that in F1, hasn’t it?

“F1 is about leading in technology, and you have to go with the times. If you look at the automotive industry five years ago, 10 years ago, it’s different now — it has changed.

“I think when you look at the racing now, the first races we’ve had [in 2026], it’s been entertaining. It’s been good to watch, with plenty of on-track action.

“And I mean, if you don’t like it, you don’t have to watch.”

Hülkenberg first raced in F1 during the 2010 campaign with Williams, when cars were fitted with 2.4-litre V8 engines.

Since then, the sport has switched to 1.6-litre V6 engines in 2014, along with the hybrid units currently in use.

Hülkenberg added: “Obviously, you have these purists who love the old-school sound of a naturally aspirated V10 and V12 — including myself — but the reality is that it doesn’t work like that.

“A few years ago, sustainability was a huge topic; now, less so.

“But, you know, I kind of feel like F1 and its rule-makers were pushed a little bit in that direction to stay with current times. If you want to stay up to date and be a legitimate business and entertainment model, you have to go down that road.”

F1 returns in Canada on May 24.