Lance Stroll 'sad' over F1 direction with 2026 regulations

Lance Stroll has labelled the direction that F1 is going with its new regulations for 2026 as “a bit sad”.

The sport will see a major rules overhaul this year, with a fresh aerodynamic configuration being introduced alongside a brand new power unit.

It is being built without the controversial MGU-H unit, while the electric output will be increased, bringing it to an equal 50/50 split with the combustion engine.

But the changes have prompted concerns from some drivers who have declared the cars will be much different to drive compared to the past.

Stroll asserted the drivers are united when it comes to their concerns over the upcoming season.

“I think that just the idea of the regulations, I think everyone agrees on that,” Stroll told media including RacingNews365.

“It’s a bit sad that we’re going in the direction of 400 km/h down the straight, and half the speed in the corners.

“It’s not, as racing drivers, what you want. Managing energy and battery power is not as exciting as flat-out pushing with lots of downforce.

“That’s for all the drivers, we agree on that.”

Aston Martin enter the year in a new technical partnership with Honda, who has become its power unit supplier.

Technical mastermind Adrian Newey will also hold the role of team principal, taking over from Andy Cowell.

While Stroll is seemingly not looking forward to jumping behind the wheel of the new car, he asserted he will care very little about the methods of driving if the car is competitive.

“If we’re sitting here in Melbourne, and we’re super quick, and everyone else is still behind us in the mirrors, it’s going to be a nice car to drive,” he said. 

“So it’s all relative.”