Franz Tost understands Max Verstappen’s criticism of the new F1 regulations. According to the former Toro Rosso team principal, Verstappen can no longer optimally use one of his greatest weapons with the current car – braking later than the competition. At the same time, he sees that the new rules add value for the fans. “I have not seen a single boring race this season.”
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Since the introduction of the new technical regulations for 2026, Verstappen has repeatedly expressed criticism about the greater role of electric power. The Dutchman called the cars before the new season ‘Formula E on steroids’ and stated that the current ratio between the combustion engine and the electric power unit has affected the quality of the races.
Franz Tost positive about developments in F1
Tost does not share that conclusion. The Austrian sees an attractive championship, although he understands where the frustration comes from. “I have not seen a single boring race this season,” he responded to Kronen Zeitung. “Of course, there has been a lot of discussion about the new regulations. I also understand the frustration of top drivers like Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Fernando Alonso, who normally excel at braking into corners. But if you have to lift off the throttle ten or twenty meters before the braking point to recover energy, you lose that advantage.”
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According to Tost, the current rules therefore ensure that drivers who normally make the difference in corners can play that quality less. Alonso gave a similar explanation earlier; because energy must be recovered, braking later no longer provides the same advantage. Still, Tost looks positively to the future. From 2027 and 2028, the ratio between the combustion engine and electric power will be adjusted again. “The development is going in a very positive direction. There are many overtaking maneuvers, and that is exactly what the spectators want to see, in my opinion. Whether the battery is full or empty does not matter to most fans.”
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