![\"Verstappen](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/XPB_1399279_HiRes.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMax Verstappen has hinted at a possible exit from Formula 1 if the new regulations aren’t improved. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMax Verstappen has hinted at a possible exit from Formula 1 if the new regulations aren’t improved. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
The four-time world champion has been one of the most outspoken critics of the sweeping 2026 rules, and doubled down on those concerns in Melbourne after climbing from 20th on the grid to finish sixth.<\/p>\n
Despite the recovery drive, Verstappen again questioned the direction of the sport and warned there is only so much drivers can tolerate if changes are not made.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love racing, but you can only take so much, right?\u201d he told Speedcafe and other media after the race.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean, I know that they\u2019re, well, I think they\u2019re willing to listen, FIA and F1, but I just hope, of course, that there is some action, because, I mean, it\u2019s not that I\u2019m the only one saying it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think a lot of people are speaking the same. If it\u2019s drivers, fans, we just want the best, I think, for the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Red Bull driver has repeatedly criticised the new era of Formula 1 machinery, which features a 50-50 split between combustion and electric power and requires heavy battery management during races.<\/p>\n
Verstappen had previously described the concept as resembling \u201cFormula E on steroids\u201d, and his first full race under the regulations did little to change his opinion.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not that we are critical just to be critical. We are critical for a reason.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want it to be Formula 1, you know, proper Formula 1 on steroids.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, of course, again, that was not the case.\u201d<\/p>\n
Verstappen\u2019s race itself began in difficult circumstances after a qualifying crash left him starting 20th.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s Max!\u201d \ud83d\ude31<\/p>\n
Verstappen\u2019s Qualifying crash, as seen from the stands \ud83d\udc40#F1<\/a> #AusGP<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/tVEf3ZiblM<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) March 7, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n He also revealed a strange battery issue at the start that left him lacking power when the race began.<\/p>\n \u201cI had no battery,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n \u201cSomehow, on the formation lap, it drained all the battery.<\/p>\n \u201cI launched, and I had zero battery, so no power, basically.\u201d<\/p>\n Even so, the Dutchman sliced through the field, eventually finishing sixth but unable to pass Lando Norris\u2019 McLaren for fifth place.<\/p>\n While Verstappen remains deeply critical of the regulations, he emphasised his comments come from a desire to see the championship improve rather than simply complaining about the situation.<\/p>\n \u201cI think what they should worry about are the rules,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThey ask questions, and I give my opinion of what I would like to see and what I think is better for the sport, because I do care about it.<\/p>\n \u201cI do love racing, and I want it to be better than this.<\/p>\n \u201cSo let\u2019s see what we can do. I hope that even during this year, we can come up with some different solutions so it becomes more enjoyable for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite his frustrations, Verstappen was more positive about Red Bull\u2019s overall package in the opening round, particularly the team\u2019s new in-house power unit.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have potential in the car, for sure,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cEngine side, I think we\u2019re not too bad. At the moment, I think where our pace is lacking is half-half, so half car, half engine, which is not bad.<\/p>\n \u201cThose are things that can be overcome, it\u2019s not shocking.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the thing also, I\u2019m very negative about the rules, but I do feel really proud of the team and the engine side as well.<\/p>\n \u201cThe guys really have done an amazing job. So, from that side, I\u2019m very happy to be working with them. I just wish that I enjoyed, a little bit more, driving-wise.\u201d<\/p>\n Verstappen believes improvements from Red Bull could quickly change the competitive outlook as the season develops.<\/p>\n \u201cBut still, they\u2019ve done an incredible job to be where we are, to be fighting with McLaren, with the Mercedes engine,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \u201cI think if we improve a little bit, we can fight a little bit further up front and then suddenly, of course, the world looks a bit better.<\/p>\n \u201cThe rules are still the same, but the world does look a bit better in terms of how competitive we are.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope, of course, that within a few races we can take a little step forward.\u201d<\/p>\n Mercedes outsmarts Ferrari for 1-2 in epic Australian GP<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/285241.gif\")