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Max Verstappen has brutally criticised the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, saying the sport has become ‘Formula E on steroids’. But his verdict wasn’t entirely negative.
Verstappen did the rounds with the media for the first time on Thursday as the Bahrain test continues. His concerns didn’t emerge in Barcelona because the Shakedown was held behind closed doors.
The Dutchman’s revelation that the 2026 cars are ‘not fun to drive’ will cause concern inside and outside Red Bull. He has repeatedly said his longevity in the sport will depend on his enjoyment levels, having already won four world championships.
Have the 2026 regulations made F1 worse, with Max Verstappen likening driving the new cars to Formula E?
And at a time when F1 bosses are trying to sell the new rules to fans, Verstappen has delivered a damning soundbite. He knew his comments would be divisive, but he wanted to be honest.
Max Verstappen on what he actually likes about the 2026 F1 rules
F1 is becoming almost 50% electric this year, and that means the drivers must constantly be thinking about recharging the battery. For Verstappen, this has spoiled the experience behind the wheel.
While the focus will understandably be on his criticism, Verstappen made clear that the new regulations aren’t all bad.
The cars have become lighter and smaller this year in an effort to improve racing, a move that has been welcomed by the Red Bull superstar.
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“The livery looks great, the car looks great,” he said, via Planet F1. “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.”
The on-track outlook was positive for Verstappen and Red Bull on Wednesday, when he set the second fastest time and completed 136 laps. But having a competitive car isn’t all that matters to the 28-year-old.
How long will F1’s current regulations last before they are changed?
These are the largest rule changes Formula 1 has seen since 2014, the first year with the V6 turbo/hybrid engines. But back then, the drivers didn’t have to rewire their racing brains like they do this year.
The aerodynamic profile of those cars changed in 2017, most visibly in the form of the ‘shark fins’, before the pivot to ‘ground effect’ from 2022 to 2025.
The current ruleset is slated to last until 2030, but there could theoretically be changes before then if the teams agree. It’s worth noting that General Motors are working on a power unit for Cadillac that should be ready in 2029, so it’s hard to see them accepting any fundamental transformation before that point.
Verstappen is under contract until the end of 2028, and while his deal features exit clauses, those are tied to team performance. He could simply retire, but his dissatisfaction would need to be profound.
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