Still critical of the current F1 regulations, Max Verstappen believes he must now work with these new rules. The Red Bull driver admits to struggling to enjoy himself with certain technical constraints.
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Max Verstappen has never hidden his reservations about the new technical regulations introduced in Formula 1. At Spa-Francorchamps, the four-time world champion once again spoke about the difficulties related to the 2026 cars, especially regarding energy management.
Qualifying second for the Belgian Grand Prix behind Kimi Antonelli, the Red Bull driver chose not to reignite a public controversy over the regulations. Verstappen now believes he must above all adapt to this new technical philosophy.
“I don’t want to stay here complaining once again, because probably someone will be waiting for me outside with a weapon.”
A statement tinged with humor, but which also illustrates the Dutchman’s frustration with rules he continues to consider far from the traditional spirit of the discipline.
A feeling close to a Formula 3 car
Verstappen’s main complaint concerns the balance between electric power and the internal combustion engine. On the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, particularly demanding in terms of energy due to its long straights, drivers must manage their battery usage differently.
According to the Red Bull driver, part of the second sector is almost exclusively driven with the internal combustion engine, which considerably reduces the available power.
“For most of sector two, you drive only with the engine. So, what does that represent? 450 or 500 horsepower?”
For Verstappen, this feeling is far from meeting the expectations of a modern Formula 1 car.
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“It’s more or less what a Formula 3 car has, but with the aerodynamic downforce of an F1. So you can imagine it’s not really exciting to drive.”
The Dutchman believes that the contrast between the aerodynamic performance of an F1 and certain driving phases linked to the lack of power makes the experience less thrilling.
Verstappen now wants to adapt
Despite his repeated criticisms, Verstappen says he wants to change his approach. With the regulations already set for the coming seasons, the Red Bull driver now prefers to focus on making the most of his equipment.
“As I have already said, I am mentally adapting to this situation and trying to make the best of it, even if it is obviously not what I like or love to do in Formula 1.”
The world champion adds that he has no choice but to move forward with the current rules.
“I could also stay at home and not drive anything, but that wouldn’t bring me anything either. So I’m just trying to do my best.”
A second place achieved in a particular context
At Spa, Verstappen nevertheless managed to make the most of the situation. Helped by his teammate Isack Hadjar, who gave him valuable slipstream during qualifying, he secured a front-row spot alongside Antonelli.
While Red Bull still seems slightly behind Mercedes in pure pace, the Dutchman will have a real chance to fight for victory on Sunday. But behind this sporting performance, his comments remind us that adapting to the new 2026 F1 cars remains a challenge for some of the best drivers on the grid.
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