The 2026 F1 season is only two races in, and many drivers have made their criticism of the new regulations known. Despite widespread condemnation of the 2026 F1 regulations, Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas offered a more positive assessment of the technical regulation overhaul. While the Finnish driver admits that it is still too early to craft a concise opinion on the changes, Bottas shared that he “personally enjoys driving the cars”.
Bottas on the new in-cockpit workload for drivers
The 2026 F1 regulations have changed how drivers operate the car on track. The new 50/50 power split means management of the battery plays a crucial role during a race, and drivers have to decide when to deploy it.
Overall, the 2026 F1 regulations have increased the amount of involvement and control drivers have during a race.
However, following the 2026 F1 Australian GP, the majority of the grid voiced their frustration with the shift towards technical management over raw racing. Amidst the backlash for the new F1 regulations, Bottas shared his surprisingly positive thoughts on them both from a driver and a spectator viewpoint.
Bottas commented on the 2026 F1 Australian GP and shared that it was enjoyable watching the fight between Mercedes and Ferrari on track. He added that it was clear when someone had engaged the boost button, and that he felt it was not dangerous.
“I watched the highlights after when I was at home. And I thought it was pretty good. It was quite nice to see the Ferrari and Mercedes swapping places. And you can see when somebody’s using the boost, and somebody’s not. So I thought it was better than expected, personally. From the outside and being in the race, I didn’t have any sketchy moments or anything.”
The 2026 F1 regulations were an overall positive experience for Bottas
The 36-year-old faced an early retirement at the 2026 F1 Australian GP on lap 16 after having a technical failure. Bottas shared that he wished he were able to get a couple more laps in to have a better understanding of the new F1 regulations. However, he still had a positive experience overall.
“So it would have been nice to race for longer. I could get a better understanding.
“I was quite positive about it. And yes, drivers still can make a difference. And especially a bigger difference than in the years before.”
When asked if he would bring any changes to the 2026 F1 regulations, Bottas admitted that it was too early to tell. Only two races have been completed, and the Finnish driver shared that this should only be a discussion after a couple more rounds.
“I think we should still see a couple of races how it goes. But yes, I understand some drivers are not big fans of these regulations. But yes, for me, sometimes it is what it is. It’s different. And always when there’s a change, some people will complain. You can’t please everybody.”
Comparing racing then vs now
Bottas is one of the few veteran drivers on the grid, with the 2026 F1 season marking his 13th season in the sport.
When comparing his experience in the 2026 livery to those from his past, Bottas reiterated that it was still too early to tell the true potential of the car. However, while it is vastly different from the cars he has previously driven in F1, the Finnish driver revealed that he enjoyed racing in them.
“It’s different for sure. Again, I think for this year’s regulations, we still need to see a few races. I personally enjoy driving the cars.”
Along with the rest of the grid, Bottas admitted that his only complaint about the 2026 F1 regulations is the management. The Cadillac driver added that while he is not doing as much lift-and-coast compared to most drivers now, he understands that power unit management will be tricky once more performance is added throughout the season when upgrades are brought in by his team.
“What I’m not a big fan of is the management, but actually, with our car with less grip, we had to do less PU management than some other teams. In qualifying, we didn’t have to do any lift and coast. In race, just mainly for tyre temps.
“So for us, it’s kind of okay. But as we start gaining load, as we start spending more time full throttle, then it might change. So for now, for us, I’m happy, but that probably will change.“
Bottas reveals his ideal F1 car
The Finnish driver shared that if he had to choose an era from the past, he would pick the 2013 V8 engines, the year he started in F1 with Williams. He claimed his maiden points with a P8 finish at the 2013 F1 United States GP.
Not only does Bottas enjoy the V8 engines, but he also shared that it was an ideal weight 13 years ago.
While the 2026 machines are lighter than the previous generation cars, the Finnish driver is well aware they are significantly heavier than they were in 2013.
“But if I could choose something from the past, I was a big fan in my first season with the V8 engine in 2013. That was nice. And also the weight of the cars. It’s a lot heavier now, even though it’s lighter this year, but it’s still a lot heavier than when I started, which probably makes the biggest difference with the tyres as well.”
