“If Supercars Turns Into a Bloody Fuel-Saving Game… Just Call It Formula E Then”

Brodie Kostecki unleashes explosive rant after Tasmania disaster

By Scott McLaren, Supercars Correspondent 25 May 2026

Right after one of the most frustrating days of his career, Brodie Kostecki has dropped a bombshell on Supercars, warning that the championship is at risk of losing its soul and turning into a glorified energy management contest.

Speaking moments after finishing a bitterly disappointing 12th in the final race of the Tasmania Super 440, the fiery West Australian did not hold back.

“If Supercars turns into a bloody fuel-saving game… just call it Formula E then, mate,” Kostecki said.

The 27-year-old, who had been running strongly in the lead pack for much of the afternoon, was left fuming after suffering major issues with the refuelling rig and brake performance in the closing stages of Race 16. What looked like a potential podium finish turned into a nightmare as his car suddenly lost power and balance, forcing him to nurse it across the line well down the order.

Kostecki didn’t mince his words when speaking to media after the race.

“I’m a racer, not a bloody engineer sitting in an office trying to manage bloody kilowatts,” he said. “We’re out here to race hard, overtake, put on a show for the fans. Not to lift and coast and worry about saving fuel every single lap. If that’s the direction we’re heading, then just rebrand the whole thing as Formula E and be done with it.”

The comments have already sent shockwaves through the paddock and ignited heated debate on social media, with many fans agreeing that recent technical regulations have made the racing less exciting.

This is not the first time Kostecki has voiced concerns about the new Gen3 regulations and the increasing emphasis on efficiency. However, his latest outburst comes at a critical time in the 2026 season, as the championship battle intensifies and the Sprint Cup title remains wide open.

The Tasmania Nightmare

The Tasmania Super 440 was supposed to be a strong weekend for Kostecki and the Erebus Motorsport team. Instead, it turned into a damage limitation exercise. After showing good pace in Race 1, the Sunday finale became a disaster when problems with the fuel delivery system struck during the second pit stop.

Team crew members were seen frantically working on the car during the stop, losing valuable time. Once back on track, Kostecki reported “zero brakes” and severe power loss, forcing him to drop back through the field.

“I had nothing left,” he said. “The car just switched off on me. One minute I’m fighting for the top five, next minute I’m trying not to get lapped. It’s bloody embarrassing.”

The result sees Kostecki lose significant ground in the drivers’ championship standings, handing the advantage back to his rivals Broc Feeney and Chaz Mostert.

FIA Fires Back

Kostecki’s strong comments did not go unnoticed. Within minutes of the quotes being published, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem issued a pointed response on social media.

“Supercars remains committed to exciting, close racing while embracing sustainable technology. Drivers are athletes who must adapt. Complaining will not change the future of motorsport,” the statement read.

The unusually quick and direct reply from the sport’s governing body only added fuel to the fire, with many interpreting it as a direct shot at Kostecki.

Mixed Reactions from the Paddock

Fellow drivers were divided in their responses.

Chaz Mostert, who took victory in Race 1 at Tasmania, was diplomatic but firm. “Look, we all want to race flat out,” the Victorian said. “But the rules are the rules. Everyone has to work within them. Brodie’s passionate, we know that.”

Meanwhile, young gun Broc Feeney stayed out of the controversy, simply saying he was focused on his own performance after another strong weekend.

However, veteran David Reynolds was more supportive of Kostecki’s stance. “He’s not wrong,” Reynolds said. “Some of the best racing we’ve seen in this country was when we could just pin it and go. Now it feels like we’re all doing bloody homework mid-race.”

Fans have been vocal too. On social media platforms, the hashtag #LetThemRace trended throughout the evening, with thousands calling for Supercars to review the current regulations that place greater emphasis on fuel efficiency and energy management.

The Bigger Picture

Kostecki’s rant highlights a growing tension within Supercars as the series tries to balance its traditional “big V8 muscle” image with modern environmental demands. The introduction of E75 fuel and tighter efficiency targets in the Gen3 era has forced teams and drivers to become more strategic with race management.

While many praise the parity and reliability improvements, a vocal group — including Kostecki — believes it is coming at the cost of raw, aggressive racing that made the championship famous.

Kostecki, who won the championship in 2023, has built his reputation as an aggressive, no-compromise racer. His supporters argue that neutering that natural instinct with overly restrictive rules risks losing the very DNA that makes Supercars special.

Team boss Barry Ryan defended his driver but acknowledged the challenges. “Brodie is emotional right now, and rightly so. We had a bad day. But the bigger conversation about where the sport is heading is valid. We need to make sure we don’t lose what makes Supercars great.”

As the series heads into the next round, all eyes will be on whether Kostecki’s comments spark real change or simply become another chapter in the growing list of 2026 controversies.

One thing is certain — the West Australian isn’t backing down anytime soon.

“I’ll say it again,” Kostecki added as he left the circuit. “I race cars. I don’t manage bloody batteries. If that’s what they want, they can find someone else.”