Sebastian Vettel has expressed his concerns about the new Formula 1 regulations for 2026. Although the shift towards more electrification and the use of climate-neutral, synthetic fuels seems like a step forward on paper, the four-time world champion fears for the future of the racing cars. Since his retirement in 2022, Vettel has been actively advocating for sustainability, but he does not lose sight of the interests of the sport.
The new engine formula is set to be the most climate-friendly in the history of Formula 1. The power will be evenly distributed between a combustion engine and a battery, while Max Verstappen and his colleagues will only be allowed to use climate-neutral fuels. Yet, Vettel criticizes this. He warns that the powertrains should not become too complex, as he believes happened with the introduction of hybrid engines in 2014.
“The 2014 regulations were essentially good,” Vettel said in an interview with Auto, Motor und Sport. “The idea was right, but the execution was not. It cost far too much money and brought nothing to the sport.” He also fears that the promises for 2026 will deliver little for both Formula 1 and the manufacturers investing billions. “The electric component is important, especially for mobility, but on the road, people are already opting for fully electric driving because it is much more efficient.”
Does this mean that Formula 1 should become fully electric? According to Vettel, no: “Racing with fully electric drivetrains does not work. Climate-neutral fuels are valuable because there is a need for them outside of motorsport, including in shipping and aviation. But you have to pay attention to the origin of these fuels. If you turn it into a typical Formula 1 development battle, it can quickly go wrong, as happened in 2014.” At that time, he believes the technology became so advanced that it was unusable for mass production.
Focus on Entertainment
When it comes to the future of the sport, Vettel primarily agrees with Max Verstappen; the cars need to be significantly lighter. “They should actually be 200 kilos lighter,” says the German. “The question is: what do you want to achieve, how do you achieve it, and where does the money come from?” He finds the current engines too expensive and too complicated. “From a sporting perspective, the competition must remain exciting, without damaging the spirit of Formula 1.”
Therefore, Vettel advocates for more attention to the fans’ experience. “A Grand Prix is a big event these days. You have to consider: how do we get spectators to the circuit and back? What do they consume, and how does that contribute to the whole?” According to him, Formula 1 should be less of a testing ground for car manufacturers and focus more on spectacle. “The engine formula no longer needs to be relevant for mass production,” he concluded. That’s why he doesn’t rule out a return to the iconic V10 engines. “I’ve had the experience of how a V10 feels and sounds – that’s part of the show and the Formula 1 experience. I used to go to the circuit for the event and everything around it, not just to see who would win. You have to stick to what you know, but it has to be more sustainable. It would be a shame if the motorsport we know ceases to exist. But that the sport changes, is normal.”
