Jacky Ickx: If 2026 F1 rules grow audiences "that’s fine, it’s all that matters”

It’s undeniable that this era of Formula 1 doesn’t appeal to everyone. While television audience data shows increasing viewership in major European countries, many long-term fans continue to criticise the new rules.

“Formula 1 was better before,” or “F1 used to be much better,” are the kinds of comments heard in some factions. However, it’s worth noting that people tend to view the past through rose-tinted spectacles, and remember only certain things – generally the more positive aspects of the past.

However, an authoritative opinion has risen to the fore after Jacky Ickx shared his thoughts on the new era of Formula 1.

Ickx, multiple winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and former Ferrari F1 driver, supports the new regulations. In his view, it’s wrong to compare today’s top open-wheel motorsport championship with that of the past.

Opinions don’t matter, criticism doesn’t matter, and even support doesn’t matter. In his mind, only the audience matters. Formula 1 needs people to follow it, and it is now in the spotlight more than ever.

Jacky Ickx, Genesis Magma Racing

Photo by: FIAWEC - DPPI

“As far as F1 is concerned, we must not make the mistake of comparing yesterday’s F1 with today’s,” Ickx told Motorsport.com. “My opinion doesn’t matter. What matters is looking at how the audience is doing.

“It’s about whether people follow F1 and how much they follow it. The audience is the key to everything. If F1 keeps attention high and generates share, then it’s fine. Without the public, nothing can be done. If the public is there, then it’s fine.”

Many fans have criticised the overtakes seen in the first three races of the season. But for Ickx, it doesn’t matter how they happen: what matters is whether they create spectacle and attract the public. At least for now, it seems the 2026 regulations have succeeded in achieving this.

“In my time, we really saw only four parameters on the dashboard. It was a different era compared to this one, where drivers have to think about many more things. But the audience is the key to the success of motorsport.

“You have to follow people’s opinions, of course. But I believe that people don’t really care what’s under the hood. What matters are the battles on track — whether the fight is good, whether the challenge is intense. That’s what counts. We’ve never seen such high audience figures.”