Ferrari left Otmar Szafnauer ‘really upset’ after pushing through F1 rule change that left him ‘flabbergasted’

Formula 1 is notorious for the battles that take place behind the scenes in the paddock being just as important as what happens on the track.

This season, the 2026 regulations are being fiercely discussed, with every team trying to put their own agenda first based on how well prepared they are for next season.

Mercedes appear keen for the current rules in place to remain the same, while others are much more enthusiastic about the potential reintroduction of V10 engines and the impact that would have on the short-term future of the sport.

Ferrari are more interested in the return of V10 engines, which might be a worrying sign for Lewis Hamilton if they’re not completely confident in the work they’re already doing on next year’s car.

Discussions over rule changes have been going on for years and Ferrari, given their history in the sport, have been at the centre of them for some time.

Former F1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer has spoken about his dealings with Ferrari over the years.

The former BAR, Honda, Force India, Racing Point, Aston Martin and Alpine chief has plenty of experience trying to negotiate with the Scuderia.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

Ferrari left Otmar Szafnauer ‘really upset’ with fuel tank rule change

Szafnauer was speaking on The Team Principal Podcast and explained one instance of Ferrari getting their own way, despite the teams who voted alongside them doing themselves more harm than good.

He said: “I remember, and this is the kind of stuff that I used to despise, but I remember the FIA setting a regulation as to how big your fuel tank could be.

“And then suddenly, that was at a time where we’re really, really concerned about the environment, fuel economy, hybrid power trains came in, and the amount of fuel that we could carry on board was restricted.

“And we all agreed to it. We went off and designed our chassis.

“We made compromises because we knew how much fuel we could carry. And lo and behold, the teams that had powertrains that weren’t as efficient wanted to change that [Ferrari].

“And I remember being really, really upset at that time when that change went through.

“We all had a vote for it, and I was flabbergasted that there were teams that voted for it that actually had an advantage if the fuel system wasn’t enlarged or the fuel tank wasn’t enlarged.

“So there are other things at play. You explain it from a perspective that those teams that voted for it probably had such an advantage that it wasn’t self-harm at that time. And they wanted a favour in the future.”

READ MORE: The seven Formula 1 rule changes you need to know about for the 2025 season including updated points system

Ferrari victims of Formula 1’s regulations during the Chinese Grand Prix

While Szafnauer lost that battle with Ferrari over the size of the fuel tanks, Ferrari haven’t been completely on top of the regulations in recent years.

Charles Leclerc was disqualified from the 2023 United States Grand Prix and then he and Hamilton were both excluded from the previous race in China.

It’s the first time in the team’s history, both of their drivers have been disqualified from the same race for different reasons, with Ferrari’s drivers left concerned about how both mistakes could have been made.

The FIA have introduced stricter checks on every car’s front and rear wings, something Ferrari exploited alongside McLaren last season.

They’ll have to make sure they’re not caught out going forward with plenty of ground to make up in both championships.