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Red Bull’s investment worth ‘billions’ could be wasted if Max Verstappen’s proposed Formula 1 rule change gets the go-ahead.
So far in the 2026 campaign, Verstappen has struggled with the new regulations, having collected just 12 points from three races.
The Dutchman has publicly called out the new rules, comparing them to ‘Mario Kart’ and said that they are ‘anti-racing’.
Following the Japanese Grand Prix last month, it was claimed that Verstappen could retire at the end of 2026.
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Speaking via Grand Prix 24/7 back in 2023, Verstappen stated that the sport was ‘overcomplicating’ the 2026 engine rules.
Verstappen also outlined changes he would make to the regulations, including the removal of the hybrid engine.
He said: “There are a few things I’d change. I would definitely get rid of the hybrid. I love how smooth a V8 engine is.
“Yes, top speed is slow compared to now, but the pick-up of the engine, and the torque is just so smooth: the downshift, and the upshifts, so much more natural to what we have today.”
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Max Verstappen’s proposed F1 rule change would waste ‘billions’ of Red Bull investment
If Verstappen does manage to convince the F1 bosses to remove the hybrid engine, Red Bull’s investment in their own power unit could be wasted.
According to Dutch commentator Olav Mol, it is unrealistic to think F1 would move away from the hybrid system and he claimed that the likes of Red Bull and Audi have spent ‘billions’ on their engines.
As reported by Motorsport, Mol said: “What people forget is that everything is built on these rules. It’s not like the manufacturers thought a few months ago: ‘let’s build a completely new car.’
“This was all recorded four years ago. With manufacturers like Audi and Red Bull Powertrains investing billions, turning everything back is simply not an option.”
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Mol went on to say that drivers are ‘too limited’ in what they can say about their cars.
He stated that drivers ‘used to be free spirits’ but are now more cautious due to commercial pressures.
Mol said: “They used to be free spirits. Even Max and Alonso, who are relatively very honest, will never say: ‘this is a s—– car’.”
Although Verstappen has publicly expressed his discontent over the new rules, it can be said that all his concerns will disappear if Red Bull manage to provide him with a car good enough to challenge right at the front of the grid.
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