2016 Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg has shared his verdict on the new regulations. The former driver downplayed growing concerns surrounding the changes that were introduced for 2026.
The 2026 regulations include an almost 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power, smaller and lighter cars, active aerodynamics, Overtake Mode and the use of a boost button.
The regulations have been met with mixed reactions following the first three rounds of the season. While four-time champion Max Verstappen described it as "Formula E on steroids" and multiple drivers have likened the racing to Mario Kart, the main concerns are around the new ways of harvesting and deploying energy.
During an interview with Bloomberg, Rosberg explained: "F1 is pursuing the technology that is most relevant to society, so this power unit is probably one of the most efficient there is in the world. 50:50, 50% battery power, that's a lot. And also, as you know, the fuels are CO2-neutral. Biofuels, synthetic fuels, a mixture of that. So it's a CO2-neutral fuel.
"But there's a lot of criticism at the moment as well, because you can see at the last race, they go down the straight, sort of flat out bend, and have to downshift after the bend, whilst they're still on the straight, because their battery power switches off."
The former Mercedes driver added: "From a spectator point of view, it's a bit awkward when you're supposed to be going flat out with the highest performing Formula 1 car. Nevertheless, I'm a bit more easygoing on that, because from my point of view, as long as there are great battles, intra-team, and the other teams in the battle.
"Hopefully, Ferrari can use this gap now to close up to Mercedes. McLaren was there already in the last race. So if we get a really cool battle there, then I think all the fans won't mind what the technology is, and will just love and appreciate the racing and the battles."
After back-to-back wins at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix, Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli leads the championship, becoming the youngest driver to lead the standings.
"And what an amazing story we have, 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli, the ultimate underdog, is leading this world championship, three races in," Rosberg continued.
"So that's wonderful. He has so many fans. Even yesterday, at the conference here in San Francisco, at HumanX. Loads of Mercedes fans came, Antonelli fans, as I was walking up on stage, so it's nice to see."
