Verstappen: Spa and Monza will be the next to face challenges due to the 2026 regulations.

      "Spa is a stunning circuit... but not with these cars."

      Criticism of the 2026 regulations in Formula 1 is growing at Silverstone, with former driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen calling for the sport to "wake up" as current drivers voiced their dissatisfaction with the racing experience. "F1, please wake up," Frentzen stated on X following the qualifying session for the British GP.

      The limitations of the new cars became apparent again at Silverstone, with multiple drivers indicating that the regulations have removed the traditional challenges of navigating high-speed corners and executing bold overtaking maneuvers. Long-time critic of the regulations, Fernando Alonso, remarked that the issues were evident from the season's opening race.

      "We mentioned this at the start of the year, that these regulations would lead to this kind of racing, where the driver’s ability to push hard in corners or make a daring outside overtaking move or brake late has largely disappeared," the Aston Martin driver explained.

      "Now you need more battery power in the leading car; just press the button and overtake. That’s the new Formula 1. You may like it more or less. It probably diminishes the significance of the driver, but at the same time, we can’t complain. The teams and the FIA believed it was the best choice, and now we must maximize the car's potential to win races, stay at the front, and prepare for the next set of regulations when they arrive. This is what we have now, and we must make the best of it."

      Max Verstappen from Red Bull has also been advocating for changes throughout the season, with adjustments already set for 2027. However, he indicated that the current generation of cars will likely continue to fail to impress at some of the sport’s iconic venues this year. "This is how Formula 1 is right now; not much can be done," Verstappen remarked. "Spa and Monza will be more of the same. It’s disappointing because I believe Spa is a beautiful circuit. But not with these cars."

      Verstappen acknowledged that challenging weekends under the current rules can make him eagerly await the end of the race weekend. "You look forward to going home," he admitted.

      Yet, despite a tough season for Aston Martin and frustrations with the regulations, Alonso—whose future in F1 remains uncertain—asserted that his motivation is still strong. "Aside from dealing with the media, I focus on what I want and enjoy," the 44-year-old said. "I work with the team every week to identify the car's weaknesses and seek improvements, aiming to stay united and work towards the next goal. It’s been a challenging start; I know it sounds repetitive, and I understand that, but we are committed and determined to turn things around, and we are working hard to achieve it."