Nico Rosberg gives verdict on controversial 2026 F1 rules
New engine and chassis regulations have divided opinion up and down the grid after three races this year
Nico Rosberg has moved to downplay the controversial F1 rules and regulations implemented this season. New engine and chassis regulations this year, which see an almost 50/50 split between the internal combustion engine and electrical power, have divided opinion across the grid. The cars are also lighter, smaller, use active aerodynamics and devices such as ‘Boost Mode’ and ‘Overtake Mode.
’ Yet issues with the nature of how F1 goes racing have reared their head. Drivers are inconveniently having to ‘lift-and-coast’ at the end of straights to harvest energy, while thrilling on-track battles have been labelled “artificial. ” Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has declared the new regulations “anti-racing” and “like Formula E on steroids.
” Yet 2016 F1 world champion and Sky Sports pundit Rosberg, who is an investor in sustainable technologies, has defended the new regulations and says he is “more easygoing” on some of the drivers’ concerns. "F1 is pursuing the technology that is most relevant to society, so this power unit is probably one of the most efficient there is in the world,” he explained to Bloomberg . “50 per cent battery power, that's a lot.
And also, as you know, the fuels are CO2-neutral. Biofuels, synthetic fuels, a mixture of that. So it's a CO2-neutral fuel.