Max Verstappen says Formula One’s new regulations could hasten his departure from the sport because the 2026 cars are “not fun to drive”, “anti-racing”, and “Formula E on steroids”.
In an astonishing attack at the end of the second day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, Red Bull’s four-time world champion did not hold back on his assessment of the new machines.
The 2026 cars will be powered 50-50 between internal combustion engine and battery which will require drivers to “manage” the deployment of power at their disposal, backing off and recharging their batteries regularly so that they can then use the energy “boost mode”.
“Not a lot of fun to be honest,” Verstappen said of his initial impressions. “I would say the right word is ‘management’.
“On the other hand, I also know how much work has been going on in the background, also from the engine side, from the guys, so it’s not always the nicest thing to say. But I also want to be [honest]. As a driver the feeling is not very ‘Formula One-like’. It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids.
“For me that’s just not Formula One. Maybe it’s then better to drive Formula E, right? Because that’s all about energy efficiency and management.
Verstappen added: “Of course, when I sit in the car I will give it my very best, they know that. But excitement levels? Not so high.”
The Dutch driver stressed it was not about top speed but about driving flat out.
“I don’t care if I’m going 350kph or 300kph,” he said. “I don’t think we should say, because we’re going 350kph, that’s perfect. You know? I just want normal driving. How it should be. Without having to go, ‘Oh, if I brake a bit longer … or less or more … or one gear up or down …’ you know, that it so heavily impacts the performance on the straights, and stuff like that.”
Verstappen has frequently said in the past that he will only stay in Formula One for as long as he is having fun. The Red Bull driver competed in sports cars last year and has spoken of driving in the Nurburgring 24 Hours this year.
Asked whether these new rules might hasten his departure from the sport, or whether winning races in this formula might get him to change his mind, the 28-year-old gave a response which will concern the sport’s rulers.
“Winning, for me … that doesn’t matter. It needs to be fun to drive as well, I think, at this stage of my career.
“I mean, I am of course also exploring other things outside of Formula One to have fun at. Yeah, I mean, I know that we’re stuck with this regulation for quite a while. So, yeah. Let’s see.”
Organisers of the Nurburgring 24hrs (May 16–17) have already tweaked their calendar to allow Verstappen to take part in one of the early-season Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS) rounds, bringing NLS2 forward by a week to avoid a clash with the Japanese Grand Prix.
Verstappen said he appreciated the effort and hoped to drive in both that round and the main event in May, most likely at the wheel of a Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG.
“I mean, looking at it now, at least maybe you can drive flat out there, you know? Without looking after my battery.
“I mean, I want to do it. We are working on it to make it happen, but I cannot confirm it yet. But it’s great, of course, from the organisers, that they change the date [of NLS2] because I think if I do it, of course, I need one race in preparation compared to guys that have been doing it for a while and have a bit more experience.”
On Wednesday, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton described the new regulations as “ridiculously complex”, adding you would “need a degree to fully understand it all.”
Going back to F1’s new rules, Verstappen concluded: “Probably people will not be happy with me saying this right now, but I am outspoken and why am I not allowed to say what I think of my race car? I can’t help that. I mean, I didn’t write the regulations.”