Max Verstappen disparages 2026 Formula 1 regulations
Max Verstappen has intensified his assault on Formula 1’s 2026 regulatory framework, declaring the forthcoming season his “least favourite era” in the sport, reports BritPanorama.
The four-time world champion, speaking on the Up to Speed podcast, branded the new machinery as “not pure Formula 1” whilst lamenting the diminished driving experience. Verstappen had previously likened the 2026 cars to “Formula E on steroids,” a comparison underscoring his dissatisfaction with the direction the sport has taken.
The Dutchman identified “management” as the defining characteristic of the upcoming campaign, citing reduced grip levels and heightened demands on driver input as primary concerns. He elaborated on the technical challenges posed by the revised machinery, noting that grip is now generated differently, with less reliance on the floor. This alteration means drivers find themselves sliding more through corners whilst simultaneously contending with increased power delivery on exit.
“The lower speed corners, you’re just waiting a longer period of time to go full throttle,” Verstappen explained. He observed that previous seasons allowed for seamless transitions between years, with muscle memory serving drivers well in pre-season testing. However, the 2026 regulations demand a fundamental rethinking of driving technique and approach, marking a significant departure from recent practice.
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher cautioned Verstappen against such forthright condemnation at this early juncture. The Sky Sports Germany pundit, speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast, urged restraint until competitive racing commences. “I understand Max too. Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion. But Formula 1 is bigger than any individual, even bigger than Bernie Ecclestone – and he invented it,” Schumacher remarked, emphasizing the importance of solidarity within the paddock and the considerable efforts of engineers working behind the scenes.
“Perhaps we should wait for the first few races before making such harsh judgements,” he added. Despite his reservations, Verstappen affirmed his unwavering commitment to extracting maximum performance from Red Bull’s 2026 challenger. “At the end of the day, when you go into competition, you will always do the best you can with what you have, because it’s the same for everyone,” he stated, expressing admiration for the engineering team that developed Red Bull’s inaugural in-house power unit from scratch, describing their achievement as “incredible.”
Furthermore, Verstappen’s concerns echo within the paddock, as fellow world champions Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Lando Norris have voiced comparable misgivings regarding the new regulatory package. The season ahead promises to be as contentious as it is competitive.
