Fred Vasseur: F1 2026 rules "less artificial" than DRS

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur claimed that the 2026 Formula 1 regulations are “less artificial” than DRS amid widespread criticism of the new ruleset.

This year, F1 is debuting its latest regulation overhaul with changes to both the chassis and engine, the latter being a contentious point due to its increased reliance on electric power.

The change has given a key role to battery management during grands prix and, due to varying power levels throughout the grid, it has caused a new style of racing called ‘yo-yo’.

Traditionally, when a driver has made an overtake it would mark the end of the battle, but now the wheel-to-wheel fights often continue with cars regaining position shortly after losing out.

The result has seen 2026 witness significantly more overtakes - the Australian GP had 120 passes compared to 45 last year - but to some, this isn’t a good thing. The rules' naysayers claim that moves have become artificial and wheel-to-wheel battles have ultimately been devalued.

But Vasseur doesn’t agree with this, particularly when DRS was used from 2011 to 2025, where an attacking driver could open their rear wing when within one second of the car in front.

Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari (Photo by: Clive Mason / Getty Images)

The Ferrari boss said at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix: “Honestly, we had good races, a lot of overtakings. You can say that perhaps you have the feeling that it’s a bit artificial, but for me it’s much less artificial than the DRS.

“DRS was just to push on the button. Today, it’s energy management and it’s coming from the drivers or from the team. It’s not artificial at all and I would say that for sure we have to fine-tune, we have to adapt.

“Thanks to the FIA we had the capacity to discuss after each event to try to improve the system. Once again, it’s not easy to do it during the season but we are, I think, all collaborative with this.

“Regarding the future, we have different options on the table. I think it will be soon time to discuss the different options, but from the beginning we have one parameter in mind, it’s also to reduce the crazy budget of the engine.

“This is for the PU manufacturers but also for customers and for the benefit of F1. I think that now we can discuss all the opportunities and we’ll have time to do it soon.”

Vasseur’s thoughts were echoed by Audi boss Mattia Binotto in Miami - round four of the season - where the FIA will debut tweaks to the new rules following feedback from teams and drivers.

Mattia Binotto, Audi F1 Team (Photo by: Clive Mason / Getty Images)

It was also revealed on Friday that next year’s power unit regulations will be decided come mid-May, with a potential shift towards a 60-40 split between engine and electric energy.

Binotto said: “Our drivers are enjoying the current format and I think it has been a big change to the past. Everyone needs to adapt to the changes but overall, if you look and watch the races, for the fans it has been a great show.

“Overtaking since the very first race, close fights, which is not obvious when you’ve got such a big discrepancy in the regulations. So I think the format is a great format and F1 remains a platform for innovation.

“So what will be the future? I think it’s too early to say, certainly we have started discussing it with the FIA. We will, I think, sit down, discuss what's best for F1.

“But I will not be so negative on the current format. Overall, I think it’s a good format. If you look in the past, I think there have been eras where Formula 1 was more boring. So overall, I don’t think we should be so negative.”