Max Verstappen Delivers Scathing Critique of 2026 Formula 1 Regulations
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has issued a damning verdict on the sport's new era of cars, describing the 2026 rules as "anti-racing" and likening the driving experience to "Formula E on steroids." The Dutch driver made his comments during the second pre-season test in Bahrain, expressing significant dissatisfaction despite Red Bull's strong early performance with their new power unit developed alongside Ford.
"Not a Lot of Fun to Be Honest"
Verstappen did not mince words when discussing the new cars, stating bluntly: "To drive, not a lot of fun to be honest." He emphasised that the energy management aspect of the 2026 regulations forces drivers to focus excessively on conservation rather than flat-out racing. "As a driver, the feeling is not very F1-like," he explained. "It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids. But the rules are the same for everyone, so you have to deal with that."
The 2026 season represents arguably the most significant rules change in Formula 1's 76-year history, introducing new engine and chassis regulations that have divided opinion across the now-11-team grid. Verstappen acknowledged the immense work behind the scenes from engineers but maintained his critical stance from a driver's perspective.
Future Racing Plans in Question
With Verstappen having pursued other racing competitions outside Formula 1 in recent years—including endurance racing appearances at the Nurburgring and a potential spot at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in May—he hinted that he could shift his focus away from F1 if the new cars prove unenjoyable. "A winning car, for me, that doesn't matter," he added. "It needs to be fun to drive as well. I think, at this stage of my career, also exploring other things outside of Formula 1 to have fun at."
Verstappen noted that the regulations are set to remain in place for quite some time, adding uncertainty to his long-term commitment. "I know that we're stuck with this regulation for quite a while. So, yeah, let's see," he said, while praising the car's aesthetic aspects: "The livery looks great, the car looks great. Obviously, the proportion of the car looks good. I think that's not the problem. It's just everything else that is a bit, for me, anti-racing."
Outspoken Criticism and Testing Results
Unapologetic about his comments, Verstappen defended his right to speak frankly: "Probably people will not be happy with me saying this right now, but I am outspoken, and why am I not allowed to say what I think of my race car? I can't help that. I mean, I didn't write the regulation." He suggested that non-political regulatory decisions might have produced very different car designs.
Meanwhile, on the track, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set the fastest time on day two of testing, followed by McLaren's Lando Norris and Haas driver Ollie Bearman. Verstappen returns to action on Friday as teams continue to gather data ahead of the 2026 season opener. The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne is scheduled for 8 March, marking the official start of this controversial new era in Formula 1.
