Aug.6 (GMM) 9-time Le Mans winner and Audi ambassador Tom Kristensen has defended Formulation 1’s controversial 2026 laws, though he admits the racing can generally seem synthetic.
Audi entered Formulation 1 partly due to the brand new power-unit formulation, probably colouring Kristensen’s help for the idea.
“The vehicles have turn into extra compact and lighter, and you may see that,” he advised Velocity Week. “The vehicles are extra agile, and that’s the fitting route for Formulation 1.”
Nevertheless, Kristensen acknowledged that vitality administration has created issues at legendary excessive velocity circuits reminiscent of Spa and Silverstone.
“The motive force critics definitely have their factors – particularly within the first a part of the season and on sure tracks, all of it appears a bit synthetic,” he mentioned.
However Kristensen, 59, rejected recommendations from Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso that overtaking has turn into too depending on battery deployment.
“As a contemporary racing driver, you could have to have the ability to adapt to the situations,” he insisted.
“I feel it’s mistaken to argue that in an ideal world there would solely be gasoline, brake and steering wheel. Issues are merely a bit extra advanced than they was, and now it’s essential {that a} driver can adapt to that.”
“If you happen to can’t, you’re completed.”
Kristensen additionally named championship chief Kimi Antonelli because the standout driver of the season, notably as a result of the 19-year-old has managed to outperform his much more skilled Mercedes teammate George Russell.
“I see some brilliant spots within the 2026 season, however Kimi Antonelli is the brightest of all of them for me,” he mentioned.
“Immediately he’s brimming with confidence.”
Kristensen believes Antonelli’s psychological state helps him extract extra from the advanced new vehicles.
“I’m satisfied that if you happen to’re in a superb psychological state, you mechanically drive higher, together with by way of vitality administration.”
“With these vehicles, you want the regular foot of a driver who firmly believes in himself. And with excessive self-confidence, you’ll be able to deal with strain higher and drive higher.”
