Sep.8 (GMM) Former Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost has defended Formula 1’s widely criticised 2026 regulations, arguing that the controversial energy-management racing was always foreseeable.
Tost, who remains a Red Bull consultant, made the comments to Speed Week while attending the ADAC GT Masters at the Salzburgring.
“What would happen with the new regulations was foreseeable,” he began.
“Everyone discussed it extensively beforehand. Engineers always emphasised that battery management would be difficult.”
He said the FIA and Formula 1 nevertheless committed to the concept because manufacturers wanted the new technical direction.
“I found all the races exciting,” said Tost.
“Yes, there were overtaking manoeuvres at the beginning where you knew they were possible due to better energy management. But they also had entertainment value.”
“I don’t think Formula 1 suffered from it.”
Tost said some of the frustration among leading drivers stems from losing their traditional advantages over rivals.
“Their routine advantages – braking points, turn-in, hitting the apex – were lost, since everyone lifts off the throttle 20 metres before the braking point due to energy management,” said the 70-year-old.
“It’s a different kind of driving.”
On the current championship, Tost admitted Kimi Antonelli has exceeded expectations.
“I wouldn’t have expected him to be in contention for the World Championship in such a dominant role so far.”
“He’s doing a fantastic job,” said the Austrian. “If he keeps a cool head, he can win the World Championship.”
On Cadillac, Tost was critical of the structure behind the difficult debut season of F1’s newest team.
“I expected more from them,” he said.
“The situation is complicated with a team in both the US and Europe. It would be better to focus entirely on the European location.”
“There’s an existing infrastructure in England, but the US doesn’t have it at the necessary level.”
Tost also believes the increasingly settled driver market is healthy rather than a problem.
“The fact that the top drivers have chosen their teams now is a good sign,” he said, adding that he expects Lewis Hamilton will “extend his contract” soon.
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES