Criticism of Formula 1's new era expands beyond the paddock.

      Criticism surrounding the contentious 2026 regulations of Formula 1 is now extending well beyond the grand prix paddock, despite FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem claiming that "only those who are not involved" are voicing their discontent. The dissent has not only emerged from current F1 drivers but also from prominent figures in other racing categories, former drivers, and individuals with deep ties to the sport’s history.

      Pato O’Ward, a McLaren reserve driver competing in IndyCar, has notably expressed his views. In an interview on the Formula Latina podcast, O’Ward revealed that he has nearly entirely stopped watching Formula 1. "I haven’t watched a single Formula 1 race this year," he stated. "I don’t even watch qualifying anymore. I’m not following anything." He added, "Although I’m on the reserve team, my interest has really waned. I'm not sure if it’s because of my age, but Formula 1’s current direction doesn’t attract me." He concluded, "For now, I’m quite content to be here in IndyCar."

      Freddie Hunt, son of 1976 world champion James Hunt, also voiced his criticism. In an interview with the Telegraph, he described the current hybrid-dominated era as "demoralizing." "It’s controlled by AI," he complained, adding, "The reliance on battery power is troubling." When asked what his father might have thought of modern Formula 1, Hunt responded, "I imagine he’d say, ‘This is a load of rubbish’ and look for something else to do."

      In an interview with Marca, Spanish Dakar figure and TV personality Jesus Calleja also shared his discontent. "I don’t like it at all," he remarked. "I just don’t get it. The whole kilowatt situation—sometimes adding, sometimes subtracting power—makes it confusing." He concluded, "In the end, the car has more control than the driver."

      Meanwhile, former Haas driver Mick Schumacher articulated similar concerns while gearing up for the Indianapolis 500. "Formula 1 appears overly complex from a technical standpoint today," Schumacher observed. "It may be too engineering-focused." He noted, "The cars likely aren't as intuitive to drive anymore, and you may not be able to push to the limit consistently like before." Schumacher, like several other current and former F1 figures, expressed hope for a return to V8 engines. "I hope there will be changes in the future, and I genuinely wish for the V8 engines to come back," he said. "That would be amazing. To me, Formula 1 needs that sound and those large engines."