Bernie Ecclestone has warned Formula 1 is becoming a world championship for engineers rather than drivers in a stinging criticism of the 2026 regulation changes.<\/p>\n
The switch to more battery power has resulted in many critics suggesting F1 has moved away from what it originally was.<\/p>\n
Bernie Ecclestone warns of \u2018engineers championship\u2019<\/p>\n
Want more PlanetF1.com coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google<\/a> to your favourites list for news you can trust<\/p>\n There has been no shortage of critics over the rule changes which kicked in ahead of this season with four-time World Champion Max Verstappen the most prominent amongst them.<\/p>\n The Dutchman described the rules as his \u201cleast favourite\u201d yet<\/a> and has previously hinted regulations like this will only speed up his F1 retirement.<\/p>\n Now, former F1 chief Ecclestone suggested the rules fundamentally changed the nature of F1.<\/p>\n \u201cThere will be chaos and confusion at the start of the season \u2013 everyone will have to learn Formula 1 all over again,\u201d he told RTL.<\/p>\n \u201cThe new rules certainly don\u2019t favour Max Verstappen and his driving style. It\u2019s not so much about the racing. Developments are moving toward ever-greater restrictions for drivers, but the essence of Formula 1 is that it\u2019s a world championship for drivers, not engineers.<\/p>\n \u201cModern Formula 1 is more competitive with Formula E. The danger is that we could lose fans. I sincerely hope that doesn\u2019t happen.\u201d<\/p>\n As for who could benefit the most, Ecclestone pointed to Mercedes who has a history of coming out on top following major engine changes,<\/p>\n \u201cMercedes has the advantage,\u201d he said. \u201cRussell has talent, but he needs to demonstrate his killer instinct throughout the season to become champion.<\/p>\n More from PlanetF1.com<\/p>\n *\u00a0Bearman explains why Haas rejected Ferrari\u2019s \u2018heavy\u2019 rear wing gamble<\/a> \u201cMercedes-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.<\/p>\n \u201cI see Lewis [Hamilton] not giving up, not wanting to stop before achieving his goal. Maybe this year will be a success. That would be a great story.\u201d<\/p>\n Ecclestone also gave his backing to both Audi and their young driver Gabriel Bortoleto who he suggested could become an F1 World Champion one day.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe Audi has all the ingredients for a successful first year in Formula 1,\u201d he said. \u201cThe mid-table teams are very close in terms of car speed, and Audi has a chance in this battle.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Want to be the first to know exclusive information from the F1 paddock? Join our broadcast channel on WhatsApp<\/a> to get the scoop on the latest developments from our team of accredited journalists.<\/p>\n You can also subscribe to the PlanetF1 YouTube channel<\/a> for exclusive features, hear from our paddock journalists with stories from the heart of Formula 1 and much more!<\/p>\n
*\u00a0Red Bull boss calls for \u2018gloves-off\u2019 F1 2026 engine fight<\/a>
*\u00a0Oscar Piastri unfazed by Lando Norris \u2018Superman\u2019 tag in 2026<\/a><\/p>\n