What many F1 ‘experts’ are now saying about 2026 regulations amid Max Verstappen complaints

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Max Verstappen has been a vocal critic of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations and has called for changes, but the FIA may not act on them after meeting with team principals.

There was a huge amount of scepticism coming into the 2026 season about the new ruleset and the cars. The 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power in the engines left many concerned about what racing would look like this season.

After two races, some teams are faring better than others, with Mercedes and Ferrari clearly at the front. Meanwhile, Red Bull are struggling, with only one of their cars making it to the end in Australia and China.

Is Toto Wolff planting the seeds for poaching Max Verstappen from Red Bull? 🤔

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Verstappen has a serious issue with race starts, as he has lost several places on the grid in both races. An ERS problem forced him out of the race in Shanghai, prompting a scolding attack on the regulations, calling them a ‘joke’.

Red Bull, Honda and Audi are said to be calling for changes to the rules to improve the quality of racing. But after meeting with team bosses after the Chinese GP, it does not look like any changes will be coming anytime soon.

Many ‘experts’ believe the FIA will not make any regulation changes until 2027

Verstappen has proposed changes to the FIA to improve racing in 2026. Many have expressed concern that overtaking has been artificial as drivers scramble to save battery life.

Mercedes and Ferrari are ‘totally against’ any changes proposed by the other manufacturers on such short notice, and after the Chinese GP, it does not look like those changes are coming.

You’re the FIA: What’s the first thing you would change in the 2026 regulations?

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A report from Auto Motor und Sport notes that the team principals met virtually after the race to discuss potential changes. The outcome was that there was ‘currently no perceived need to make any hasty adjustments’.

‘Many experts’ are not expecting there to be any major changes in 2026, but rather in 2027 ‘at the earliest’. The FIA need to carefully consider any adjustments to the regulations, and therefore do not want to make any rash decisions.

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Would Max Verstappen’s opinions change if he were not at Red Bull?

Right now, Verstappen and Red Bull do not have the package to fight for podiums, let alone race wins. The Dutchman is eighth in the standings with just eight points after the opening two rounds.

He has not hidden his frustrations with the new regulations, but many people are growing tired of his complaints. Alex Wurz has told Verstappen to ‘get used to it’, as no changes are expected to happen this year.

Nelson Piquet Jr thinks Verstappen would ‘be quiet’ if he were driving for Mercedes, given that they have the fastest package in 2026. The 28-year-old was linked with the Silver Arrows throughout 2025, but he opted to commit to Red Bull.

The Milton Keynes outfit have a lot of work to catch the frontrunners in 2026. They will be under pressure to keep their star driver motivated, as he has hinted several times at walking away from F1.