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Jos Verstappen says Max Verstappen is no longer having ‘fun’ in Formula 1 after the regulations were overhauled. The four-time world champion has been the leading critic of the new rules.
When he faced the media for the first time at Bahrain testing last week, Verstappen likened the new cars to ‘Formula E on steroids’. Drivers have been forced to use unnatural techniques to charge up their batteries.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Verstappen said F1 should ‘get rid’ of the battery and ‘focus on a nice engine’. The 2026 rules are designed to be more road-relevant and environmentally conscious.
Verstappen has previously indicated that he will only stay in F1 as long as he enjoys driving. On that basis, his recent comments have raised doubts over his future.
Jos Verstappen says Max Verstappen would have more ‘fun’ in rallying
In a conversation with Blick, Jos pointed out that Verstappen had raised concerns about the 2026 rules as far as back as 2023. He warned that overtaking would be ‘even harder’ and that the cars would become ‘very awkward’ to drive.
Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner also warned colleagues about the regulations. He feared they would create a ‘technical Frankenstein’.
Lewis Hamilton says the rules are too complex, and Verstappen Sr agrees. The Dutchman competed in the European Rally Championship last year and has invited his son to join him.
Will Max Verstappen still be an F1 driver in 2030?
“Luckily, Max has voiced his concerns again, or rather, reiterated them after two years,” he said. “Formula 1 really isn’t fun anymore like this.
“The drivers are spending more time recharging. The battery is far too small. The fans won’t understand a lot of it!
“Come join me in rallying. There, you don’t have batteries to recharge. Fun is a top priority.”
While these comments may be tongue-in-cheek, it’s another indication that Verstappen’s discontent is genuine, which is undeniably a problem for F1 bosses.
Max Verstappen says rallying too dangerous to interest him
Fittingly, in an interview on the Up to Speed podcast, Verstappen was asked whether he has an interest in rallying.
The Dutchman started to compete in GT3 racing last year alongside his F1 responsibilities and he could step up that programme this year, but he says rallying carries ‘too high of a risk’.
“I find it really impressive, I think it’s really cool,” Verstappen, who became a father last year, said. “But I just think about, ‘If I make a mistake, and I hit that tree, the tree is not moving.’
With Verstappen and Vettel open to the idea of joining forces at Le Mans, which driver completes your trio?
“That, for me, is my limit. That’s something I don’t want to do. It’s just too high of a risk. I know that maybe sounds a bit silly. But in Formula 1, most of the time when you crash, there is a properly designed barrier that should absorb the impact a bit more.
“It’s just a risk that I’m not willing to take.”
Back on the tarmac, Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel are open to the idea of racing together at the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours.
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