F1 Pundit Warns 2026 Formula 1 May Lose Its “Raw” Edge

The 2026 season of Formula 1will finally rule in the new regulations for the teams on track. The new regulations will replace the previous Venturi wind tunnel effects and focus more on the hybrid power units. Moreover, active aerodynamics remains the priority in the regulations, as the previous DRS overtake mode has been replaced. Amid the preparations, F1 pundit Martin Brundle reveals that the sport might lose its ‘raw edge’.

Back in the day, Formula 1 was popular because of the loud roaring V10 engines in the challengers. Come modern era, hybrid power units have taken over the sport, and the cars aren’t as loud as before. Moreover, the cars weren’t as complex to drive with multiple buttons on the steering wheel. As such, Martin Brundle recalled the good old days and how it is a completely different experience now.

Martin Brundle lamented the increased use of electrical components in Formula 1, recalling the KERS system introduced back in 2009. The sport is now utilizing complex aerodynamics and simulators to maximize performance on track. As such, all these factors together meant that the pinnacle of motorsport wasn’t the same as before.

That’s the way it is in Formula 1 now with electronics – as it is with road cars – and the complex aerodynamics and simulators and what have you. So that’s what we have.

Martin Brundle told Sky Sports F1.

Martin Brundle believes that Formula 1 is now long past the ‘raw’ times back when Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna were fighting on track. However, Brundle reckoned that the good times were gone now and they weren’t going to return. Despite recent discussions on returning to naturally aspirated V10 engines, many teams were wary of the change and ruled against the motion.

Is it as raw as literally elbows out, Senna versus Mansell type stuff? No, it’s not. But as I say, the toothpaste is out of the tube on that one and we’re not going to get it back in. So, we’ve got to make the best of what we’ve got.

Martin Brundle added.

Martin Brundle reveals ‘super important factor’ for the teams in F1 2026

The Formula 1 drivers might get used to the complex technologies. However, it will be hard for the people watching the races from home to quite grasp the multiple components of a challenger. As such, Martin Brundle revealed what would be important for the teams to help the commentators and viewers understand the races better.

Martin Brundle pointed out that it was ‘super important’ for the teams to give more accurate real-time data on the batteries. The people would understand what went on when a driver overtook another on the track. The drivers now needed to be clever to gain more power on-track and utilize the new electrical component to the fullest.

I think it’ll be super important for the teams in Formula 1 to give us accurate real-time data on the batteries so that we understand, if there’s overtakes, why? If some driver’s been clever through a series of bends and giving himself some more power.

Martin Brundle noted.

Certainly, many drivers are happy to have put the ground-effect era regulations behind them. The new regulations, though seemingly complex, will hopefully be simpler that he previous era. As such, the teams and drivers are looking up to the challenge and performing well under the new regulations. Time will tell who dominates the track and sets the pace for the remainder of the season.

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