Ferrari legend Berger struggles with 2026 F1 rules: 'Something in me resists'
F1 veteran Gerhard Berger voices strong skepticism towards the 2026 technical regulations, particularly the emphasis on complex energy management that rewards lifting off the throttle. The Ferrari legend argues this shift contradicts the spirit of classic motorsport, though he remains open to being surprised by the outcome.
F1 legend Gerhard Berger has expressed significant reservations about the sport's 2026 technical revolution, stating that the shift towards complex energy management and a greater electric component feels like a departure from the classic motorsport he loves. The ten-time Grand Prix winner admits he finds it difficult to embrace a formula where lifting off the throttle is rewarded, a concept that contradicts his core racing instincts.
Why it matters:
As Formula 1 prepares for its most significant technical overhaul in the hybrid era, pushback from revered figures like Berger highlights a cultural tension within the sport. His perspective represents a segment of the traditional fan and participant base for whom raw, uncomplicated speed and driver bravery defined competition, raising questions about how the sport balances innovation with its historical identity.
The Details:
- In an interview, Berger stated the parameters until now were "similar to those in my time," but the 2026 regulations represent a "quantum leap" he struggles to follow.
- He specifically takes issue with the new energy management, where drivers must lift and coast to harvest energy. "I find that very difficult. Something in me resists," he confessed, adding that it "contradicts my love for classic motorsport."
- Berger also criticizes the "constant over-regulation" of modern F1, suggesting decisions are made "by people sitting at tables who don't have the same spirit for motorsport."
- Despite his criticisms, he acknowledges the evolution, comparing modern teams to watchmakers meticulously finding tenths of a second, contrasting it with the "more rustic" era of his driving career where it was less clear where a teammate found time.
What's next:
Berger is not entirely dismissive, leaving room to be "gladly surprised" by how the 2026 rules play out. He maintains a belief in the timeless quality of top drivers, asserting that "whoever won in my time would also win today, and vice versa." His comments underscore the ongoing debate F1 faces as it navigates a technological future that must still captivate purists and new audiences alike.