Max Verstappen is still not convinced by the new F1 rules. The Dutchman believes that some overtakes favored by energy management do not constitute “real” entertainment.
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Max Verstappen definitely does not hide his lack of enthusiasm for the way the new Formula 1 cars must be driven in 2026. This time, the four-time world champion has targeted overtakes and energy management, which according to him can create situations quite far from what he considers true motor racing.
With the much larger share of electric energy this season, drivers must constantly find a compromise between using their battery to attack and conserving enough energy not to become vulnerable a few moments later.
A peculiarity that sometimes favors a “yo-yo” phenomenon, with drivers overtaking each other and then immediately being overtaken back.
Verstappen can sometimes overtake “without doing anything”
Verstappen also admits to being surprised by how some of his rivals use their energy when they fight each other. By spending a large part of their battery to defend or attack, they can become easy prey for a driver who has deliberately held back.
“It’s different and I don’t really enjoy it as much” explained Verstappen to the media when asked about the evolution of the art of overtaking in 2026.
“Sometimes, it’s even very funny when you see the drivers in front of you fighting. They use their battery and, by doing absolutely nothing, you simply end up overtaking them.”
The Red Bull driver explains that he just has to wait to take advantage of his energy advantage on the next straight.
“You overtake them on the next straight literally doing nothing. The wings are open everywhere and this greatly reduces drag when you follow another car.”
“I prefer to attack under braking”
For Verstappen, the problem does not only lie in the number of overtakes, but in the way they are made.
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The Dutchman would prefer to have to gradually get closer to his opponent before attempting a real attack under braking, rather than simply benefiting from a significant speed differential thanks to electric energy.
“I prefer to get close to someone and then possibly try an overtake under braking” he explained.
“Now, overtakes happen in the middle of a straight, so it’s a bit strange.”
This criticism echoes several remarks already made by Verstappen since the introduction of the new regulations. The Red Bull driver notably believes that energy management systems sometimes limit the driver’s ability to make the difference himself.
More overtakes, but not necessarily more spectacle
Verstappen also distinguishes the perception that long-time fans may have from that of an audience less familiar with the subtleties of Formula 1.
At first glance, the new rules can indeed produce more position changes. But the Dutchman considers that quantity is not enough to guarantee the quality of battles on track.
“The problem is that the real racing fans understand, he continued. People who are not really racing fans find it cool because they simply see more overtakes, but it’s not real.”
And Verstappen concludes bluntly: “This is not what racing is.”
For the four-time world champion, the challenge of F1 should therefore not be to artificially multiply position changes, but to allow drivers to build their attacks and make the difference under braking and in corners.
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