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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMax Verstappen has once again unloaded on the 2026 F1 regulations. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMax Verstappen has once again unloaded on the 2026 F1 regulations. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
The four-time world champion has been one of the most outspoken critics of the new rules, which introduced major changes to both chassis design and the power units, with a greater reliance on electrical energy and battery harvesting.<\/p>\n
That system has created what some have described as \u2018yo-yo\u2019 style racing, where drivers repeatedly overtake and re-pass as battery deployment fluctuates down the straights.<\/p>\n
While some fans have praised the increase in wheel-to-wheel action early in the season, Verstappen said the style of racing bears little resemblance to what Formula 1 should be.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s terrible, if someone likes this, then you really don\u2019t know what racing is about,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not fun at all. It\u2019s playing Mario Kart. This is not racing.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are boosting past, then you run out of battery the next straight, they boost past you again. For me, it\u2019s just a joke.\u201d<\/p>\n
Verstappen argued that the on-track spectacle has not produced genuine competition at the front of the field, pointing out that Mercedes has still dominated the opening two rounds with wins for George Russell in Australia and Kimi Antonelli in China.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just Kimi or George that is winning,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not really back and forth. They\u2019re miles ahead of the field.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just that Ferrari sometimes has these good starts, that they push themselves in front and then it takes a few laps to sort it all out.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike I said, this has nothing to do with racing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite sitting eighth in the championship with eight points after retiring from the Shanghai race, Verstappen insisted his criticism was not motivated by results.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would say the same if I would be winning races, because I care about the racing product,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not about being upset of where I am, because I\u2019m actually fighting even more now, so you get to understand what you have to do and what it is about even more.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, it\u2019s a joke.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Red Bull driver said the issues run deeper than simple tweaks, describing the current concept as fundamentally flawed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can help it a little bit but it\u2019s fundamentally flawed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Verstappen added that discussions with Formula 1 and the FIA were ongoing, although he acknowledged the political challenges involved in changing regulations once teams have already committed to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to be a bit careful with how you say these things,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are talking about it. I think they understand where we are coming from as drivers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I speak for most of the drivers. Some, of course, will say it\u2019s great because they are winning races, which is fair enough.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you have an advantage, why would you give that up?\u201d<\/p>\n
He also warned that focusing too heavily on spectacle rather than the fundamentals of racing could damage the sport in the long term.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope they don\u2019t think like that, because it will eventually ruin the sport,\u201d Verstappen said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will come and bite them back in the ass. But for me, as long as we can just communicate with them and make sure that we are working on some solutions, that will help a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Verstappen\u2019s frustration followed a difficult Chinese Grand Prix in which he retired with an issue linked to the ERS cooling system while running near the edge of the top ten.<\/p>\n
Despite his own disappointment, the Dutchman was quick to praise Antonelli after the Mercedes teenager secured his first F1 victory in Shanghai.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are beautiful moments. I am very happy for him,\u201d Verstappen said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think there\u2019s a bit less pressure on his shoulders now too, if you win your first race. And it definitely won\u2019t be his last.\u201d<\/p>\n
Antonelli takes Chinese GP to become second-youngest F1 winner<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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