With the first four races of the 2026 Formula 1 season already completed, debate around the sport’s controversial new regulations is becoming increasingly heated. But FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has made it clear that he has little patience for teams questioning the current rules, suggesting that criticism is coming mainly from those who failed to adapt quickly enough.
The 2026 Formula 1 reset has already transformed the competitive landscape, introducing radically revised hybrid power units, new aerodynamic concepts and a heavier emphasis on electrical deployment and sustainability. Predictably, the opening phase of the championship has triggered intense discussion across the paddock, with some teams expressing frustration over the behaviour of the new cars and the compromises required to extract performance.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, however, appears unconvinced by those complaints.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem defends Formula 1’s 2026 rules after early backlash
Responding to criticism surrounding the current Formula 1 regulations, the FIA President made it clear that every manufacturer and team had ample time to prepare for this technical revolution.
According to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the framework behind the 2026 regulations was developed over a lengthy collaborative process involving the teams themselves, meaning the current competitive differences should not come as a surprise to anyone.
His argument was straightforward: teams that are now struggling with power unit integration, chassis balance or overall performance had access to the same timeline and technical roadmap as their rivals. That makes the recent criticism, in his view, less about flawed regulations and more about unsuccessful execution.
This is hardly unusual in Formula 1. Every major technical reset creates winners, losers and inevitable political noise. Whether it was the V6 hybrid revolution, aerodynamic overhauls or tyre-era transitions, teams that fall behind often push for narrative changes while front-runners focus on performance.
Ferrari and Mercedes singled out as examples
In making his case, Mohammed Ben Sulayem pointed specifically to Ferrari and Mercedes, highlighting them as examples of teams that have approached the 2026 challenge differently. His comments suggested that while some competitors have chosen public criticism, others have concentrated on refining their packages and solving problems internally.
The mention of Ferrari is particularly significant given the Scuderia’s visible competitiveness in the opening races of this new era. With Lewis Hamilton now in his second season at Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc, Maranello entered 2026 under enormous scrutiny, especially with expectations that the team could benefit from the regulation reset. Mercedes, meanwhile, remains a natural benchmark whenever hybrid regulations are involved, given its historical dominance during Formula 1’s previous engine era.
By using Ferrari and Mercedes as examples, the FIA President effectively drew a line between teams adapting successfully and those still searching for answers.
The politics behind the 2026 Formula 1 debate
The criticism surrounding the current regulations is not simply about technical preferences. In Formula 1, regulatory disputes are often deeply political, particularly when performance gaps begin to emerge early in a new cycle.
Several teams have reportedly expressed concerns over the characteristics of the new power units, energy deployment behaviour and the impact on racing quality, but Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s position suggests he sees these objections as a predictable reaction from those not currently in control of the competitive narrative. His broader point appears to be that Formula 1’s hierarchy is always temporary. Teams rise, teams fall, and regulation changes inevitably reshuffle the order.
Still, the FIA President has also indicated openness to future refinements if necessary, particularly regarding engine philosophy in later seasons. That does not mean immediate concessions, but it leaves the door open for Formula 1’s technical direction to continue evolving.
Ferrari’s early 2026 progress adds weight to the argument
From Ferrari’s perspective, the FIA President’s comments serve as a notable endorsement. After years of inconsistency under previous regulation cycles, the Scuderia appears to have positioned itself more effectively for Formula 1’s latest technical reset. With Lewis Hamilton bringing championship experience and Charles Leclerc continuing as Ferrari’s long-term competitive reference, the team has emerged as one of the early focal points of the 2026 season.
Whether that momentum continues remains to be seen, but Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s message is unmistakable: the regulations are not the problem. In his view, Formula 1’s early 2026 winners and losers are being determined by execution, not excuses.
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