P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 drivers are divided on the new style of racing after the Melbourne opener
After the first race of the new Formula 1 season in Australia, several drivers expressed negative opinions about the new 2026 cars. Carlos Sainz called the new active aerodynamics “dangerous”, Esteban Ocon described the racing as “painful”, and Sergio Perez found it “a lot less fun”. However, not all drivers share this sentiment, with reigning world champion Lando Norris and Max Verstappen also criticizing the changes, labeling the cars as “the worst” and the racing as “chaos”.
There are multiple nuanced strands to the criticism, showing that it’s not just one aspect bothering certain drivers. Competitive frustration is also playing a role, as successful drivers are naturally more positive than those struggling with performance. Ollie Bearman, a midfield victor, noted that although the car wasn’t enjoyable to drive, finishing at P7 made him happy.
There is a growing groundswell of opinion that the new rules are problematic in various ways, with concerns about the racing becoming too “artificial”. Bearman criticized the overreliance on battery management, comparing it to Formula E and stating that it doesn’t feel like true racing. Esteban Ocon pointed out the vulnerability drivers face after using the boost button, making overtaking maneuvers difficult and often short-lived.
