Laurent Mekies says F1 rules no longer reward the ‘best drivers’ like Max Verstappen

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Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies has claimed that Formula 1’s new regulations are not doing enough to reward the best drivers on the grid.

It has been a tough start to 2026 for Red Bull, with talisman Max Verstappen publicly expressing his discontent with the new regulations, which were introduced to promote better on-track battles.

Following the Japanese Grand Prix, it was claimed that Verstappen is ‘seriously considering’ retiring from F1 at the end of the 2026 campaign.

What do Red Bull need to do to convince Max Verstappen to stay in F1?

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The Dutchman has previously stated that the new era of F1 is like ‘Mario Kart’ and claimed that his Red Bull car is ‘undriveable’.

Currently, Verstappen sits ninth in the standings, having collected just 12 points from three races.

However, Verstappen is not the only driver to have openly criticised the new regulations, with the likes of Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris also voicing concerns in recent weeks.

F1 2026 regulations not rewarding the ‘best drivers’ like Max Verstappen

Appearing on the latest episode of the Beyond The Grid podcast, Mekies was asked whether the new regulations are limiting drivers’ ability to perform at their best.

The Frenchman spoke about ‘safeguarding’ one aspect of F1 that could potentially reignite Verstappen’s love for the sport, as he claimed that the new regulations are not rewarding the best drivers on the grid.

He said: “We all have different takes about whether you like the new format of racing that these regs are giving us, or you don’t like it.

“I think what is key is we ensure the best drivers will be at the top, and there is probably one area where we need to focus our attention more. This is to make sure that in qualifying, flat-out driving, going as fast as you can in the corner and braking as late as you can is still rewarded.”

READ MORE: Laurent Mekies is now struggling to deal with a behind-the-scenes change at Red Bull this season

How much would Formula 1 suffer without Max Verstappen?

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Mekies added: “That is what we are working on with stakeholders right now.

“The truth is, we are still learning so much about how to go fast in these cars, and each track is a challenge of its own.”

Max Verstappen urged to leave F1 if he no longer has ‘the love’ for the sport

Speaking about Verstappen’s future, Sky Sports lead commentator David Croft warned that the Dutchman’s retirement threat is ‘not empty’ and urged the 28-year-old to consider his next steps if the love for F1 is gone.

He said on the F1 Show: “No, I don’t think they’re empty threats at all. One thing that we’ve learned from Max from the 11 years that he’s been in Formula 1 is that he pretty much sticks to what he says.

“Max wants to get behind the wheel, be it in a simulator, be it virtual racing, be it on the track, and have fun racing. And if he’s not having fun, he will go off. And I think we should take this very, very seriously and not necessarily judge him on it either.

“If he’s not feeling the love for the actual sport, then don’t stick around. Motorsport is dangerous. You don’t want to be doing this sort of thing if you haven’t got the love for it.”