F1’s new changes will lead to a more consistent car for the drivers, says former champion Jenson Button Formula One champion Jenson Button backed the FIA and F1’s recent decision to make tweaks to the new regulations ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.
F1 introduced new hybrid power units for 2026, with 50% of the power coming from electric power as part of its push towards sustainability. However, the new cars have come under intense criticism from drivers who have bemoaned that they are too complex and not fun to drive.
“It always takes a little bit of time to fine-tune new regulations. You need to see how it plays out first on track to understand what works and what doesn’t. I think the changes we have here will lead to a more consistent car for the drivers. They’ll have a better understanding of what it’s doing. I think they’ll be much happier,” said Button, the 2009 world champion.
“We want drivers to be out there having fun and enjoying themselves when they’re racing. So it plays a big part in it because when they get out of the car, and they’re unhappy, it doesn’t look great. So yes, I think fine-tuning was necessary,” he added.
Following the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs, the teams have had a five-week break since the previous round in Japan. Button feels this gap in the calendar would have given teams valuable time to assess things and expects the field to bunch up in Miami.
“I think we will see the field a bit closer this weekend, especially the top teams. Mercedes, I think, still has a bit of an advantage. But if they slip up, McLaren and Ferrari will be there waiting. This is quite a fun weekend because we have a sprint race. And the Ferraris are very good off the line. So if they get into the lead, it’s going to be difficult to overtake them. I think the F1 break will be positive for racing here in Miami,” the former McLaren driver remarked.
Commenting on the drivers’ championship battle between Mercedes teammates Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, Button reckoned that whoever gets on top this weekend could have an advantage.
“George, he has been very unlucky on a couple of occasions. In qualifying in Shanghai, he had an issue. So he only got out for one lap right at the end. And then in Japan, he obviously got hurt by the safety car. There was a good chance he was going to fight for victory or at least second in that race in front of his teammate.
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“I think he’s probably a little bit frustrated knowing that he’s had the pace to win all three races. But he’s a very confident individual. So I’m sure he believes in himself that he can fight for this world championship.
For Kimi, it’s obviously very different. He’s still so young in this sport. You’ve got to take every moment you can to win races. Even if you get a bit lucky, it doesn’t matter. He was there to pick up the pieces, and he got the job done. So it’s a really exciting battle.”
“I’m really looking forward to it. I think it’s interesting here in Miami because Kimi was really fast last year. So it’s going to be a tough fight for both of them this weekend. It’s an important weekend. We’re back from a big break. And whoever gets down to the top step of the podium has bragging rights. It gives them a lot more confidence,” said Button.
Published on May 01, 2026
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Formula One champion Jenson Button backed the FIA and F1’s recent decision to make tweaks to the new regulations ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.
F1 introduced new hybrid power units for 2026, with 50% of the power coming from electric power as part of its push towards sustainability. However, the new cars have come under intense criticism from drivers who have bemoaned that they are too complex and not fun to drive.
“It always takes a little bit of time to fine-tune new regulations. You need to see how it plays out first on track to understand what works and what doesn’t. I think the changes we have here will lead to a more consistent car for the drivers. They’ll have a better understanding of what it’s doing. I think they’ll be much happier,” said Button, the 2009 world champion.
“We want drivers to be out there having fun and enjoying themselves when they’re racing. So it plays a big part in it because when they get out of the car, and they’re unhappy, it doesn’t look great. So yes, I think fine-tuning was necessary,” he added.
Following the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs, the teams have had a five-week break since the previous round in Japan. Button feels this gap in the calendar would have given teams valuable time to assess things and expects the field to bunch up in Miami.
“I think we will see the field a bit closer this weekend, especially the top teams. Mercedes, I think, still has a bit of an advantage. But if they slip up, McLaren and Ferrari will be there waiting. This is quite a fun weekend because we have a sprint race. And the Ferraris are very good off the line. So if they get into the lead, it’s going to be difficult to overtake them. I think the F1 break will be positive for racing here in Miami,” the former McLaren driver remarked.
Commenting on the drivers’ championship battle between Mercedes teammates Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, Button reckoned that whoever gets on top this weekend could have an advantage.
“George, he has been very unlucky on a couple of occasions. In qualifying in Shanghai, he had an issue. So he only got out for one lap right at the end. And then in Japan, he obviously got hurt by the safety car. There was a good chance he was going to fight for victory or at least second in that race in front of his teammate.
ALSO READ | F1 drivers welcome rule tweaks, but say more change needed
“I think he’s probably a little bit frustrated knowing that he’s had the pace to win all three races. But he’s a very confident individual. So I’m sure he believes in himself that he can fight for this world championship.
For Kimi, it’s obviously very different. He’s still so young in this sport. You’ve got to take every moment you can to win races. Even if you get a bit lucky, it doesn’t matter. He was there to pick up the pieces, and he got the job done. So it’s a really exciting battle.”
“I’m really looking forward to it. I think it’s interesting here in Miami because Kimi was really fast last year. So it’s going to be a tough fight for both of them this weekend. It’s an important weekend. We’re back from a big break. And whoever gets down to the top step of the podium has bragging rights. It gives them a lot more confidence,” said Button.
Published on May 01, 2026
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