The new 2026 regulations have sparked much controversy both in the paddock and outside with the fans.
Ex-driver and Sky Sports Germany Pundit Ralf Schumacher spoke firmly on the new rules, calling them “too artificial”, a word that has also been used often by Max Verstappen.
However, despite this agreement, Schumacher came after Verstappen too.
Rant Sport writer Ella Magyar looks at Schumacher’s comments on the new 2026 regulations and Verstappen.
Schumacher and the regulations
After the first few laps of the Australian Grand Prix, Schumacher initially spoke positively about the regulations.
He stated that the extra overtaking opportunities they provide create a more compelling spectacle for fans.
However, he soon changed his tune and brought up the all too familiar “artificial” racing argument that has flooded analysis of the regulations.
“But then looking back and looking at the race after, I thought it’s a bit too much. It’s too artificial”, he said in an interview with Sky Sports Germany.
You might also like: F1: New regulations cause all-out war as Max Verstappen labels them ‘terrible’
Max Verstappen
Verstappen has long echoed similar sentiments about the regulations.
His latest criticisms were that “this is not racing”.
“It’s terrible, if someone likes this, then you really don’t know what racing is about,” he said.
Despite saying that the racing in the recent Chinese Grand Prix was “less artificial”, he still called the racing “Mario Kart” and “a joke”.
Schumacher and Verstappen
Schumacher responded to Verstappen’s comments harshly, telling him to “stop whining”.
He continued to say that if Max doesn’t enjoy these regulations, he can go and race in another series.
Schumacher also stated that “Max has proven he is the fastest driver”.
But Max himself has stated it’s not about being the fastest driver or winning.
“It’s not about being upset about where I am, because I’m actually fighting even more now”, he said.
Instead of focusing on the regulations, Schumacher suggests that Verstappen should “help his team”.
For Schumacher, the issue is not just the regulations, but how the drivers choose to react to them.
Read next: F1 news: Lewis Hamilton blamed by Jacques Villeneuve for ‘destroying’ Ferrari’s Chinese Grand Prix
