Thankfully not yet gagged, Sebastian Vettel echoes drivers' criticism of 2026 rules.

The last of the German's four titles came in 2013, the year before the last significant overhaul of the engine regulations, so Vettel can empathise with today's drivers.

Much like Max Verstapepn, Vettel is a purist, though in recent years he has been heavily involved in promoting environmental issues particularly synthetic e-fuels. Indeed, many of the historic racing cars in his collection, including Nigel Mansell's 1992 title-winning Williams FW14B and Ayrton Senna's 1993 McLaren MP4/8 have been converted to run on 100% non-fossil fuel.

Speaking to Sweden's SVT, ahead of the Perfect World Foundation Awards, the German gave his views on F1 2026.

"From a sporting side I hear and I echo some of the criticism," he said, "because the cars are probably fun to drive, but it's not so much fun to race because of the regulations and the difficulties that come with that.

"So, I sympathise with the drivers," he admitted. "It's very critical not to lose the DNA and the heart of the sport, which is finding the fastest driver, and the fastest machine to win the race."

Asked about this week's "refinements", which, according to respected sources, were intended merely as tweaks as opposed to significant changes to a set of rules the sport's powers that be are determined to maintain, Vettel said: "I've seen them briefly.

"I hope from a sporting view, that's what they're trying to address, it makes the drivers happier, because ultimately the drivers are the face of the sport, and when they come out of the car and they're full of adrenaline and very excited, it's what makes people excited on the screens, and in the stands as well."

On Sunday the 38-year-old takes part in the London Marathon, raising money for the Brain & Spine Foundation and the Grand Prix Trust.