P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel has admitted that he is “not entirely convinced” about F1’s new 2026 power unit regulations.
Four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel expressed doubts regarding Formula 1’s new 2026 power unit regulations, citing concerns about the elimination of innovative solutions from the previous engine rules and the focus on attracting new manufacturers rather than preserving the essence of motorsport. Vettel questioned the logic behind the shift to a pure hybrid engine, delivering 50% output from an electric motor and 50% from the internal combustion unit. He also raised issues with the use of biofuels mandated by the FIA, emphasizing the importance of considering the technology’s real-world applicability and resource origins. Despite the changes aimed at promoting closer racing, Vettel warned that reverting to entertainment over performance could lead to the repetition of past mistakes from the turbo-hybrid era. Ultimately, the 2026 regulations could potentially reshape the landscape of motorsport as we currently know it, prompting Vettel to urge a careful balance between innovation, sustainability, and performance in Formula 1’s future.
