Lance Stroll has publicly criticised Formula 1’s direction ahead of its sweeping 2026 regulation changes, expressing dismay over the sport’s increasing reliance on electric power and branding it “a bit of a shame”
The Canadian driver, who has already tested Aston Martin’s prototype for the 2026 car in the team’s simulator, said the new rules will strip away some of the core elements that define Formula 1.
Set to include power units that generate up to 50% of their output electrically and feature variable aerodynamics to balance straight-line speed with cornering grip, the upcoming cars will also see a significant reduction in overall downforce.
The changes aim to align Formula 1 with global sustainability trends, but Stroll is so far unimpressed with the resulting effects.
“It’s just a bit of a shame we’re just – Formula 1’s just – taking that path of electric energy and we’ve had to shed all the downforce off the cars to support the battery power,” Stroll said, quoted by Racefans.
“It should be fun to see some light, nimble, fast cars with a lot of downforce and just simplify the whole thing a little bit. Less so of an energy, battery, championship, science project and more of just a Formula 1 racing championship.”
Racing Purity and Driver Sentiment
The FIA has promoted the 2026 regulations as a “nimble car concept,” with a reduced minimum weight limit to enhance performance.
However, skepticism persists about whether these targets are achievable and whether the changes will preserve the essence of Formula 1 racing. Stroll, whose team is sponsored by Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco, echoed these concerns, emphasizing a preference for traditional racing characteristics.
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“I think it’s exciting to think about cars that can scream a little bit louder, be a bit lighter, and not depend and focus so much on that energy, battery powertrain that’s not very racy,” he said.
“I don’t know if that’s racing”.
Stroll also hinted at a broader discontent among drivers, suggesting that some are reluctant to criticize the new rules publicly, although Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has also admitted that next year’s car is “not the most enjoyable” to drive, based in his sim testing.
“I’m not a fan of the direction but if we have a fast car and we’re competitive and we are doing better than everyone else, that’s when you’ve got nothing to complain about,” he noted.
“I don’t love the idea of the regs though. I think a lot of the drivers can agree on that. Maybe some of them can’t talk about it for political reasons.”
A Level Playing Field
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen also raised concerns about F1’s upcoming regulation overhaul, particularly about the potential for energy regeneration and management to overshadow on-track competition.
However, Stroll did acknowledge the level playing field that should result from next year’s changes.
“It’s going to be the same for everyone next year and it’s all going to be about who can do that best. I’m sure whoever’s doing that best is going to love the new regs.”
As Formula 1 navigates its transition to a more sustainable future, Stroll’s comments highlight a tension between technological innovation and the sport’s traditional appeal, raising questions about how the 2026 regulations will reshape the racing spectacle.
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