Mercedes and Ferrari plan to oppose the changes to the rules for 2026, despite facing criticism.

      "No one can argue that the races lack beauty."

      Mercedes and Ferrari are anticipated to prevent significant alterations to Formula 1’s contentious 2026 regulations, despite increasing criticism from drivers and even hints at a potential exit from Max Verstappen. According to Marca, both prominent teams are resistant to changing the rules this season, considering only minor adjustments—most likely to qualifying.

      Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff staunchly supports the current racing spectacle. "No one can argue about the lack of beauty in the races. Do you agree or not?" he posed to the media after Suzuka, which was met with silence. "Only conservatives, traditionalists, and those clinging to the past could possibly find fault with this."

      However, he did admit that qualifying is still an issue. "To me, the race isn’t the problem—we need to focus on qualifying, and we will discuss this in London on April 9th," Wolff stated.

      Ferrari's Frederic Vasseur concurs that the actual racing is satisfactory. "Overall, I think it’s beneficial for F1, good for the championship, and beneficial for everyone," he remarked. "It was an excellent show with numerous overtakes, much more than we’ve witnessed here in the past at Suzuka, so overall, it’s positive."

      Behind the scenes, discussions regarding changes to the electric-combustion power distribution or easing the constraints on active ‘straight mode’ aerodynamics have occurred. However, with Mercedes currently dominant and Ferrari firmly in second place, neither team is inclined to welcome significant modifications.

      Former driver Christijan Albers believes that their stance is unsurprising. "Mercedes certainly won’t voice any concerns, given their current dominance. They’re performing very well," he commented. "But one thing is clear—the FIA has failed to properly enforce the new regulations this season."

      Others express more ambivalent views. Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa acknowledges the perspectives on both sides of the argument. "Let no one think that I support the new Formula 1. I favor what the fans, the spectators, want, but I completely see the drivers' viewpoint," he told Cadena SER. "They are passionate about the sport and pushing their limits; we’ve been doing that since childhood. Naturally, they find this version of Formula 1 unappealing. Yet, when I hear Fernando and Lance after they exit the car, I think, ‘Poor guys, they’re not enjoying themselves.’ That saddens me."