Alexander Wurz says the GPDA played a fundamental role in persuading Formula 1 to modify its controversial 2026 regulations, insisting that nothing would have changed without the drivers’ involvement. The former Austrian Formula 1 driver and current GPDA chairman also addressed Max Verstappen’s criticism of the rules, predicting that the four-time world champion will ultimately remain in the championship.
The 2026 Formula 1 season will also be remembered for the controversy surrounding the new technical regulations. Several drivers have repeatedly highlighted the problems created by the near-even division between combustion and electric power. Max Verstappen has been the most outspoken critic and has even raised the possibility of retiring from Formula 1 amid wider concerns about the sport’s direction under the 2026 rules.
Alexander Wurz says criticism has not damaged Formula 1
Alexander Wurz discussed the controversy in a recent interview with the Austrian newspaper Österreich, while emphasising that the complaints have not reduced Formula 1’s appeal to its audience.
“There have been many complaints from drivers and people working in the sport,” Alexander Wurz said. “But this has not damaged the F1 product. On the contrary, the viewing figures are excellent, including among younger audiences, who remain tuned in until the end. Yet people always say that young people today have a limited attention span.”
Why Alexander Wurz understands Max Verstappen’s frustration
Max Verstappen’s warnings about his future have attracted particular attention because of his status as one of Formula 1’s leading drivers. However, Alexander Wurz believes the Red Bull driver is likely to stay, especially as the regulations continue to evolve.
“Max Verstappen? When one of the leading protagonists of recent years questions his future, doubts arise,” Alexander Wurz acknowledged. “Only he can provide the answers. I don’t think even he really knows where the future will take us. But I assume he will remain in Formula 1. At the end of the day, this is where we have the fastest and most beautiful cars.”
Alexander Wurz also argued that Formula 1 is gradually moving closer to the direction Max Verstappen wants. “We can still see that the regulations are improving and moving in the direction he desires. His frustration? I understand it. Perhaps the regulations were changed too much and too quickly,” the Austrian added.
GPDA influence on the 2026 F1 rules
Alexander Wurz believes the changes already made would not have happened without the collective pressure applied by the drivers. His comments follow earlier GPDA concerns about driver involvement in the creation and revision of the new regulations.
“Without the involvement of the GPDA group, the regulations would never have been modified,” Alexander Wurz stated. “However, in fairness to the power unit manufacturers, they could not be changed radically, only gradually.”
Further adjustments are expected over the coming seasons, particularly around the balance between the two sources of power. Formula 1 has already begun moving away from the original 50-50 hybrid split, although electrification will remain part of the power unit concept.
“A lot will happen over the next two years. The proportion of power from the combustion engine will increase again, but a hybrid component will remain,” Alexander Wurz concluded.
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