The first race weekend of the new Formula 1 season is now behind us, but the events in Melbourne are still echoing among racing fans. The biggest attention was drawn by the new technical regulations, which have triggered very mixed reactions.

Some drivers and fans are enthusiastic, while others are strongly critical. The governing body, the FIA, is also aware that the regulations have certain shortcomings and is reportedly already considering possible changes. With the introduction of the new technical rules – one of the biggest technical revolutions in the history of the sport – Formula 1 has entered a new era.

This season’s cars are completely different from previous ones, which has also had a significant impact on the style of racing. The technical revolution was already clearly visible at the very first race, and reactions from drivers and fans have been divided.

Drivers’ reactions after the first race are mixed

One of the most critical voices regarding the new rules was former world champion Max Verstappen.

“Chaos – I can’t find any other words,” the Dutch driver said when describing the new style of racing. “Formula 1 management should be concerned about these new regulations. Drivers and fans only want what is best for the sport. We are critical for a reason – we want Formula 1 to remain Formula 1,” Verstappen added.

The technical changes also failed to impress current world champion Lando Norris, as well as Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez, who described the racing as “artificial.”

“We went from the best cars in the history of Formula 1 to the worst. It’s a real shame, but we have to accept it,” Norris said. He also expressed concerns about driver safety. “It’s too chaotic – a major accident will happen. Everyone is waiting for something terrible to occur. Something could go wrong and it doesn’t feel good.”

“It’s terrible that as drivers we can’t do much about it,” said Ocon. “When you press the button for extra power, regardless of whether you successfully overtake the car in front, you become vulnerable again on the next straight.”

“The racing is much less enjoyable than it used to be,” added Perez.

Among the few drivers who see the changes as positive was fourth-placed Lewis Hamilton.

“I love the new car. The race was really fun and the car was enjoyable to drive. When I looked around me, I saw interesting battles and overtakes everywhere. So far, it looks promising,” said the seven-time world champion after the first race.

His Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc is also satisfied with the new regulations.

“Before, it was mostly about who braked the latest. Now every move requires much more strategy – you have to plan several steps ahead,” Leclerc explained.

Race winner George Russell and Pierre Gasly refrained from strong criticism, saying that it is still too early to deliver a final judgment after just one race.

“Everything is certainly quite different, but it’s interesting because it will look a little different at every circuit. People start criticizing very quickly, but we need to give the regulations a chance,” said the 28-year-old Mercedes driver.

Gasly agreed that the new rules will significantly change the nature of racing, but he believes more time is needed.

“I think we should give the rules some time and see how they work in practice on different tracks,” he said, adding that the Australian circuit may not be the best indicator of how the regulations will perform throughout the season.

The first race failed to impress most fans

Although the season opener featured 120 overtakes – 75 more than the previous year – many fans remained unimpressed.

According to many observers, most overtakes happened on the straights due to energy differences rather than driver skill. Fans were also frustrated by the excessive energy-saving driving style and the fact that cars suddenly lose power.

However, some motorsport fans welcomed the changes enthusiastically.

“120 overtakes in one race. The Australian Grand Prix was completely crazy from the first lap to the finish line,” one fan wrote on social media platform X.

“The first 15 laps under these new rules were more enjoyable than the entire four years of the ground-effect regulations combined. Formula 1 is saved,” wrote another.

FIA already considering rule changes

According to reports from motorsport media outlets The Race and Motorsport.com, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) is already considering modifications to the regulations following the initial reactions from drivers and fans. Possible adjustments are expected to reduce the current heavy reliance on electrical energy.

“The unanimous position of the teams was that we should follow the existing regulations for the first few races and reassess them once we have more data available. The plan is to review the energy-management situation after the race in China,” FIA representative Nikolas Tombazis told the media.