Former Formula 1 driver Jacky Ickx does not believe that the success of Formula 1 depends on which rules apply in motorsport at that moment. According to the Belgian Grand Prix winner, viewership figures are much more important for the success of the racing class: ‘The public is the key to everything. If F1 maintains attention and achieves good viewership, then it’s good.’
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The 2026 regulations have caused disagreement in the paddock and far beyond since before the start of the current season. In 2023, Max Verstappen already warned that the current regulations looked ‘pretty terrible’. “It looks like it’s going to be a matter of building the best power unit,” the world champion said at the time. “Whoever has the strongest engine has a big advantage. I don’t think that suits Formula 1.”
It is now clear that the new style of Formula 1 does not appeal to everyone, with criticism from both drivers and fans. However, according to eight-time Grand Prix winner Jacky Ickx, opinions hardly matter. “As far as Formula 1 is concerned, we should not make the mistake of comparing the past with the present. My opinion doesn’t matter. It’s about how the public reacts,” Ickx told Motorsport.com.
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‘Public is key to success’
According to the Belgian multiple winner, it ultimately comes down to the viewing behavior of the fans. “It’s about whether and to what extent people follow F1,” Ickx continues. “The public is the key to everything. If F1 maintains attention and achieves good viewership, then it’s good. Without an audience, you can do nothing. If the audience is there, then it’s good. In my time, we might have had four parameters on the dashboard. That was a completely different period than now, where drivers have to take many more factors into account. But ultimately, the public remains the key to success in motorsport.”
Nevertheless, the former driver also warns against basing everything solely on the opinions of fans. “Of course, you have to listen to what those involved say,” Ickx adds. “But I don’t think the public is really concerned with what’s under the hood. What counts are the battles on the track – whether it’s exciting, whether the fight is intense. That’s what counts. We’ve never had such high viewership figures.”
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