Formula 1

English translation

Sky expert Ralf Schumacher understands the drivers' criticism of the new Formula 1 regulations. The former driver hopes to see a return to pure combustion engines in the premier class and a greater focus on the drivers.

The countdown to the start of the season in Melbourne is already in the home stretch. This coming weekend (8 March), all questions will finally be answered: Who has built the best car for 2026? Who is best suited to the new regulations? And will the rules really deliver the hoped-for action, or will the new hybrid formula turn out to be the feared damp squib?

Many drivers have already expressed their opinions on the new cars. More or less openly, many critical words were heard during the test drives. Above all, the lack of driving pleasure was criticised. Instead of pushing the limits, managing the limited energy will be at the top of the priority list in the future.

Ralf Schumacher is also known for his clear words. During a press conference on Sky TV, the TV expert expressed his surprise that it had come to this: ‘I'm particularly surprised that, with all the clever minds and all the simulations, it has only now dawned on people how complex the issues are, and that they are complaining about it. That's good for journalists, but it's not good for Formula 1.’

Formula 1 is too complicated

The former racing driver understands the frustration among the drivers: ‘I agree with Max Verstappen that you have to calculate far too much with the electrical energy, that the overall performance is significantly lower than in our day and that the car is considerably heavier. Those are my criticisms too. Formula 1 is too complicated.’

The 50-year-old expects the task to be more difficult this year, not only for the drivers but also for the TV experts. There was a one-day briefing for the commentators, reveals the six-time Grand Prix winner. Nevertheless, Schumacher fears that it will not always be easy to see how overtaking manoeuvres or accidents come about when electric energy is involved.

The Sky expert does not believe that the regulations will be changed at short notice: ‘The only Plan B is to return to normal combustion engines by 2030 at the latest, using synthetic fuels. Formula 1 must be seen as a gladiatorial sport again, rather than primarily as a matter of sustainability. This can also be portrayed well in the media.’

New rules for Audi

Schumacher believes that Formula 1 is in danger of straying from its successful course with the current hybrid strategy: "On the track, it should be pure sport and what we humans like: emotions through sounds and man-to-man comparisons. As nice as it is to have many great brands, for me, apart from Ferrari, it's the people who are the most important. That's why the Drivers' Championship is much more important to me than the Team Championship."

When the current engine regulations were written, different conditions applied. At that time, electrification was the big topic for the future. Formula 1 tried everything it could to get new manufacturers on board. "It's clear that a completely new development was important for Audi. The goal was for everyone to start from scratch," says Schumacher, explaining the background to the current situation.

However, the retired racing driver hopes that the criticism from the drivers will now quiet down a bit: "Max Verstappen has a very loud voice, of course, and he's a great guy, but if the drivers are already starting now, even though no races have been run yet, then that's a bit of a shame. Perhaps they could have waited a little longer. The discussions aren't helping either. They'll just have to get through the next few years. Maybe we should just keep quiet for three races."

Conclusion

Ralf Schumacher is not a fan of the current hybrid regulations. The focus on technology is too great. In future, the drivers should once again take centre stage. As far as the action on the track is concerned, however, Schumacher wants to wait for a few races before making a final judgement. And that is what the Sky expert recommends to the drivers as well.

Translated with DeepL.com