Are the proposed rules for 2026 putting the DNA of F1 at risk?

"Max Verstappen won the 2026 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix after using his +0.5 MJs on his final lap and deploying his MOM [manual override mode]."

Is this the frightful prospect that F1 fans could be faced with, judging by the proposed regulations for 2026?

The release, which FIA single-seater technical director Nikolas Tombazis called a "moderate revolution", seems as confusing as the oxymoron he decided to use.

As teams push back on the proposals and start their own revolt, there is growing fear that if allowed to be processed in their current form it would only serve to alienate fans.

F1 parlance has always been a moot point and for the best part accepted.

In recent years we have seen the introductions of wordy components that were condensed into confusing acronyms - DRS, ERS, CE, SOC, DAS and MGUK-H.

But if we are realistic about appealing to a wider audience then the suggested terminology needs to be addressed.

While the proposal for active aerodynamics is intuitive, calling it 'Z-mode', for high downforce, and a low-drag 'X-mode' for the straights - coupled with the revised plans for new power units and battery technology, plus sustainable fuels - risks making it all too confusing and causing fans, especially the new ones that F1 has tried so hard to attract, to turn off.

Mike Krack, Team Principal, Aston Martin F1 Team, in the Team Principals Press Conference

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

Aston Martin boss Mike Krack said: "It's a lot of engineering language. Z-mode, X-mode, energy management and so on. In terms of complexity, I think we need to focus on the product, the fan, and the spectator.

"I'm a bit scared that in 2026, we will have driver press conferences or driver interviews speaking about all these technicalities that a lot of people will not understand and lose interest.

"That is something that I think we need to be really careful. If we have different energy management from track to track or constraints on the car that makes one car maybe go to the front, one to the back, and then how [do we] explain this?

"That is something that we really need to keep in mind."

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu agrees and says that the proposals will become easier to understand with time, but adds that the language being used is wrong.

He added: "Some part of the complexity is more in the language than in the substance, because when we talk about the X-mode like it's the DRS open and the concept of opening DRS is very well established.

F1 2026 FIA car renders

Photo by: FIA

"Some of the complexity that is still lingering on is especially on the power unit side, is because of the immaturity of the regulations.

"I think once they mature, they will become even simpler. Or at least I would hope that we can achieve both things through the work of development and collaboration."

The other element is the potential of seeing F1 usurped from its position as the pinnacle of motorsport.

One paddock source said the 2026 proposals felt more like "Formula 2.5 rather than F1" in relation to the lower speeds.

That is a concern raised by Williams boss James Vowles who said: "It's imperative that we are still the leading series in motorsport. That's how I see us. We're the pinnacle of this. And therefore, as a result of that, we need to make sure that we're maintaining the performance and speed we have."

Another element that could prove decisive with fans is the restrictive chassis regulations, potentially putting the DNA of Formula 1 at risk.

James Vowles, Team Principal, Williams Racing, in the Team Principals Press Conference

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

The design of smaller and lighter cars should be applauded but the restrictive measures may prevent freedom of design.

In the Motorsport Network Global Fans Survey in 2015, a staggering 86% objected to seeing F1 become a spec series using identical chassis and engines.

Komatsu agrees and feels the restrictions could prove detrimental to the very spirit of F1 teams as constructors.

He added: "In terms of freedom of design, especially on the aerodynamic side. At the moment in the draft regulation, I'm not sure if that balance is hit right in terms of how things are prescribed.

"All those philosophies, how we present ourselves as the pinnacle of motorsport, in terms of engineering as well, to have some freedom or probably a bit more increased freedom in aerodynamics, that is important as well.

"So again, various aspects we need to look into to make it really represent the pinnacle of motorsport."

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