Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur thinks it is still too early for Formula 1 to adjust the brand-new regulations. The opening race in Australia received criticism from many fans and experts for being too artificial, now that the premier class is racing with a half-electric power unit for the first time. According to Vasseur, however, fans enjoyed the battle between George Russell and Charles Leclerc for the lead in particular: ‘I have never experienced that before’.
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The new Formula 1 regulations for 2026 mean, among other things, that the premier class is currently racing with a fifty percent electric power unit for the first time. Energy management therefore plays a key role during races. For many drivers, including Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, this comes at the expense of the driving pleasure in Formula 1.
Nevertheless, Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur warns against adjusting the regulations too early. “In general, it is true that we received many negative reactions, predictions and the like before the season,” the Frenchman said after the race in Australia. “We were also forced to change our rules before the first race. Honestly, I think it is wise to wait for two or three races now. It is not because this race was very good or that all races will be good, but I think it was a very pleasant surprise.”
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‘Fans enjoyed it’
Ferrari driver Leclerc had a great start in Melbourne, and soon overtook polesitter George Russell for the lead in the race. A battle then broke out between the two drivers. “Honestly, in the first ten laps of the race, I saw something I haven’t experienced in the last ten years,” Vasseur looks back on the lengthy battle.
“We have to keep in mind that it is not a given that it will be like this every weekend. But I think it was a very good start for the sport; a very good start for the show and the spectacle. I think the fans probably really enjoyed the opening phase. Let’s continue like this and if we have to react at some point after a few races, then we will. But it would be a mistake to do that too quickly.”
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