(Motorsport-Total.com) – “I thought it was good at the beginning,” says expert Ralf Schumacher about the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Melbourne. However, looking back at the race with some distance, “I have to say quite honestly, I understand the drivers,” says Schumacher in the podcast Backstage Boxengasse from Sky (ADVERTISEMENT: Follow all Formula 1 races live on Sky!).
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This refers to the criticism from drivers like Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, or even World Champion Lando Norris. They are all unhappy with the new regulations in the premier class, and Schumacher is also not sure if Formula 1 has taken the right path.
“The courage of the drivers, which was previously necessary, […] to take more risks in fast corners,” is no longer there with the new regulations, according to Schumacher. Fernando Alonso had previously mockingly stated that even the team’s cook could drive the car in fast corners this year.
Schumacher understands this point of criticism. “You’re basically taking away this driving element now, replacing it with an artificial intervention,” says the six-time Grand Prix winner, who also notes that many overtaking maneuvers in Melbourne felt too artificial to him.
“And that, I believe, is now the crossroads for Formula 1,” says Schumacher. The premier class must decide whether it wants many overtaking maneuvers, “or do we want to highlight driving talent and do we want the best driver in the best car […] to win?”
“Personally, I almost have the feeling, even if it was entertaining at the beginning, that this is really not without danger for Formula 1 at the moment,” warns the expert.
Formula 1 2026: Entertaining, but too artificial?
In Melbourne, the lead changed repeatedly between George Russell and Charles Leclerc in the first laps of the race. The premier class itself later boasted on social media about the high number of overtaking maneuvers on Sunday. However, Schumacher emphasizes: “I find the credibility is lacking.”
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Because in fact, it was merely “artificially induced tension.” The extensive Melbourne data analysis from Motorsport-Total.com reaches the same conclusion. For instance, Leclerc was only able to stay close to the Mercedes, which was actually much faster, on Sunday through artificial aids.
Max Verstappen, who drove from P20 up to P6 on Sunday, also later explained that he didn’t have much fun during his comeback drive and that Formula 1 currently reminds him more of “Mario Kart.”
Melbourne: The driver ratings from Marc Surer and the editorial team
“For me, Formula 1 is still a classic gladiator sport,” says Schumacher. But he sees exactly this status in danger with the new regulations. In this context, the expert explains that the rules were drafted several years ago.
“At that time, everything just wanted to flee towards electric,” he recalls. “Accordingly, I think the regulations are understandable,” he emphasizes, while at the same time making it clear that they will probably have to be improved again.
“If I were the boss of Formula 1, […], I wouldn’t watch the regulations as they are now until the end,” says Schumacher. Currently, the plan is to stick with the new Formula 1 engines introduced this year for five years.
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