Di Grassi, Ticktum Criticize F1's 2026 Engine Rules as 'Extremely Badly Designed'

Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi and fellow electric series driver Dan Ticktum have launched a scathing critique of Formula 1's new 2026 power unit regulations, branding them "extremely badly designed" and questioning their alignment with the sport's core identity. Their comments come as F1's new era cars, featuring a 50/50 split between electrical and combustion power, complete their first official pre-season test in Bahrain.

Why it matters:

The criticism from prominent figures in motorsport's electric racing series highlights a growing debate about the technical direction and philosophical identity of Formula 1. As the sport navigates a balance between sustainability, spectacle, and pure performance, feedback from drivers across different disciplines underscores the challenges of designing regulations that satisfy all stakeholders—from engineers and drivers to fans.

The details:

• Di Grassi placed the blame for the perceived flaws squarely on the rule-makers, stating, "The hybrid rules of F1 are extremely badly designed... It's the rules which are decided by the FIA, and some people within the FIA who decided the rules."
• He expressed confusion over the logic behind regulations he believes make the cars "very slow and sometimes not very efficient or not very raceable," directly linking them to driver complaints.
• Dan Ticktum questioned whether the new engine formula represents what the sport of Formula 1 should be about, suggesting a disconnect with what traditional "petrolheads" want to see.
• The critique follows public dissatisfaction from reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen, who compared the driving experience to "Formula E on steroids" and lamented the inability to drive flat-out due to intense energy management requirements.
• Practical issues are already emerging, notably with race starts. The removal of the MGU-H has increased turbo lag, making it harder for drivers to find the ideal launch window and prompting discussions within the F1 Commission about potentially altering the start procedure for safety and competition.

The big picture:

This debate touches on a fundamental tension within modern Formula 1: the push for technological relevance and sustainability versus the preservation of raw, visceral driving challenge and spectacle. The 2026 rules represent the most significant step yet towards electrification, but the early feedback suggests the transition may be compromising the very characteristics that define F1 for many of its participants and fans. Di Grassi's bold prediction that Formula E cars could become "way faster than F1" within a few years—particularly at circuits like Monaco—adds a provocative, competitive dimension to the discussion about motorsport's future hierarchy.

What's next:

The FIA and Formula 1 will be closely monitoring the performance and reception of the new cars as the season progresses, starting with the Australian Grand Prix. Driver feedback and on-track incidents, especially concerning race starts, will likely lead to technical clarifications or even regulatory adjustments. The long-term success of the 2026 formula will depend on whether teams can optimize these complex packages to deliver closer racing and a more engaging driver experience, or if the criticism from figures like di Grassi and Verstappen proves prophetic.