Stroll Criticizes F1 Cars vs Formula 3

Lance Stroll, the Aston Martin Formula 1 driver, sharply criticized the sport's 2026 power unit regulations ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, describing the current cars as fundamentally flawed and far less enjoyable to drive than Formula 3 machinery.

Speaking on Thursday in Miami, the Canadian said the rules, which mandate a roughly 50-50 split between electrical and internal combustion power, force drivers into excessive energy management that hampers racing and qualifying. "It's just destroying the racing, the qualifying laps," Stroll said. "Hopefully it's a bit more normal to drive, we don't have to think too much about all the management and lift and coast and how much throttle we're putting on and all this stuff. But I think we're still far away from proper F1 cars and pushing flat out without thinking about batteries."

The FIA introduced regulatory tweaks during the recent five-week break, aimed at easing throttle restrictions and promoting more flat-out driving starting in Miami. Stroll acknowledged the changes but dismissed them as insufficient. "I think so," he replied when asked if they amounted to a band-aid solution. "I think we're miles off of where we should be."