Lucas Di Grassi says new F1 rules resemble Formula E: “I don’t agree with them”

Formula E veteran Lucas Di Grassi has expressed disappointment over Formula One adopting a 50/50 hybrid split under its 2026 regulations. The Lola Yamaha ABT driver shared his views days after Max Verstappen voiced concerns about the new cars, which will run on roughly 50 percent combustion and 50 percent electric power. Di Grassi posted a video explaining how Formula One differs from Formula E and the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and added that he doesn’t agree with the new F1 rules. As F1 testing got underway in Bahrain, Lucas Di Grassi shared a video on Instagram discussing the differences between F1, Formula E, and WEC and what, in his view, defines each series. He wrote in the caption: “Fórmula 1 should be about performance. Formula E should be about efficiency. WEC should be about road car relevance.”In the video, he said, “Everybody’s talking about the new 2026 Formula 1 rules and how they relate to Formula E. I have experience from 2014 to 2016 driving the hybrid LMP1 cars with 1,000 horsepower, similar to F1, with the same rule, about 50% hybrid and 50% combustion. The rules I see in Formula 1, I don’t agree with them. For me, Formula 1 is supposed to be maximum performance, flat out all the time. The rules give a lot of room for drivers and systems to manage energy and adopt a driving style that is sometimes very similar to what we do in Formula E.”While Max Verstappen did not publicly respond, one fan wrote, “Max Verstappen liked this video.” Another commented, “I agree, F1 should be flat out and just be itself.” One user joked, “Before, Formula One. Now, Formula onE.” Another added, “It’s correct, each one in their own lane.”Several others also said they agreed with Lucas Di Grassi’s perspective.Recently, Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds invited Max Verstappen to test a Formula E Gen4 car after the Red Bull driver described the new F1 cars as “Formula E on steroids.” Dodds said Verstappen could test the upcoming Formula E car at any track in the world he chooses, without cameras or media present. Verstappen has yet to respond to the invitation.Also read: Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds invites Max Verstappen to try the GEN4 car: “No cameras, no media, any racetrack he wants”