Highly critical of the new single-seaters, Max Verstappen is now being warned about the impact of his statements.
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Max Verstappen is no longer hiding his unease with the 2026 version of Formula 1. Between omnipresent energy management and diminished sensations, the four-time world champion is increasing his media appearances to express his dissatisfaction.
But this frankness is starting to cause some friction. Former driver and consultant Martin Brundle believes that these repeated criticisms could have a negative effect on the sport’s image.
“Nobody is indispensable in this business, he recalls. Formula 1 has always continued, regardless of departures”
A threat of departure taken seriously
Verstappen’s frustration is such that he no longer rules out an early departure from the discipline. A hypothesis that was still unthinkable a few months ago, but is now very real.
For Brundle, such a scenario would not be an irreversible earthquake: “The sport will continue. Others will take over and do the job.”
In this regard, several young talents have already been identified as potential heirs. Kimi Antonelli, the current championship leader, perfectly embodies this new wave capable of taking over.
Brundle goes even further by mentioning other promising profiles like Oliver Bearman or Arvid Lindblad.
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“There are many drivers capable of performing at a very high level” he emphasizes, insisting on the depth of the current talent pool.
“Be careful not to harm the sport”
While Verstappen remains free to express his opinions, Brundle nevertheless invites him to measure the impact of his words.
“The sport will continue if he leaves, but in the meantime, he is already causing quite a bit of damage” he warns, pointing to the Dutchman’s considerable influence on public opinion.
A direct criticism, but nuanced by a form of understanding: “We all know how Max works.”
Beyond the Verstappen case, this situation primarily illustrates a more global unease surrounding the new technical rules. Between contested spectacle, driver frustrations, and political debates, F1 is going through a pivotal period.
And while Verstappen crystallizes the tensions, he is probably not the only one who thinks that something needs to change.
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