Former F1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone agrees with Max Verstappen in that F1 is in danger of resembling Formula E.
The Briton has joined the growing list of those fearing the sport has lost its way, in terms of taking the actual racing out of motor racing.
Like Max Verstappen, the former owner of championship winners Brabham, believes the 2026 regulations are taking F1 closer to Formula E, the Dutchman having famously claimed in Bahrain that the cars are now “Formula E on steroids”.
“The new rules certainly don’t favour Max and his driving style,” Ecclestone tells RTL. “It’s not so much about the racing any longer.
“The DNA of the sport is that it’s a drivers’ world championship and not an engineers’ championship,” he adds. “Formula 1 is now competing more with Formula E.
“Maybe the fans like that,” he suggests, “but I don’t think so. The danger is that we’ll lose the fans. I sincerely hope I’m wrong.”
Ecclestone, who was still at the helm at the time of the previous major overhaul, believes 2026 will witness a repeat of what we saw then, Mercedes domination.
“Mercedes has the advantage,” he says. “Russell has talent, but he needs to demonstrate his killer instinct throughout the season to become champion.
“Mercedes-powered teams have a good chance this year, but I hope Ferrari will have a say in the matter too. Formula 1 will benefit if Ferrari wins the championship.
“I see Lewis not giving up, not wanting to stop before achieving his goal. Maybe this year will be a success. That would be a great story.
“I believe Audi has all the ingredients for a successful first year in Formula 1,” he adds. “The midfield teams are very close in terms of car speed, and Audi has a chance in this battle. I’m confident Gabriel Bortoleto will be a serious threat to Nico Hulkenberg. The young Brazilian is very fast and capable of becoming a champion one day.”
However, in the meantime…
“There will be chaos and confusion at the start of the season,” predicts the 95-year-old, “everyone will have to learn Formula 1 all over again.”