Audi F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg has sent a stern message to fans who have been calling out the sport for a partial electrification of the cars.

The 2026 F1 regulations ensured that cars were powered equally by internal combustion and electric power. However, after just three races, changes were made to the regulations to enhance safety and improve racing.

Soon after, F1 announced further changes to the regulations for the 2027 season.

Regulation changes that occur every few years have been a part of the sport’s natural evolution for decades, and the 2026 regulations have been aligned with the environmentally-sensitive era we live in.

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However, there has been significant backlash from fans and F1 purists who have been used to watching F1 cars go flat out through corners, as opposed to the scenario today, where drivers have to lift off to harvest energy.

F1 veteran Hulkenberg, who has been racing in the premier class since 2010, had a candid message for fans unhappy with the sport’s new direction. Speaking to The Drive, he said:

“To be honest, it’s always been like that in F1, hasn’t it?

“F1 is about leading in technology, and you have to go with the times. If you look at the automotive industry five years ago, 10 years ago, it’s different now; it has changed.

“I think when you look at the racing now, the first races we’ve had [in 2026], it’s been entertaining. It’s been good to watch with plenty of on-track action.

“And I mean, if you don’t like it, you don’t have to watch.”

Hulkenberg opened up about the reality of F1, revealing that several aspects need to be considered when forming regulations that may not necessarily align with the preferences of F1 fans who want cars to be powered by V10 or V12 engines. He explained:

“F1 is evolving all the time. Obviously, you have these purists that love the old school and the sound of a naturally aspirated V10 and V12 — including myself – but the reality is that it doesn’t work like that.

“A few years ago, sustainability was a huge topic, now less so.

“But, you know, I kind of feel like F1 and its rule makers were pushed a little bit in that direction to stay with current times. If you want to stay up to date and be a legit business and entertainment model, you have to go down that road.”