Max Verstappen Fires Warning Shot: 2026 F1 Cars 'Not Fun'
Max Verstappen isn't mincing words. The reigning Formula 1 champion has delivered a scorching indictment of the provisional 2026 F1 cars, slamming them as 'not fun to drive' and 'anti-racing' after his initial run in the Red Bull prototype at Bahrain testing. His candid feedback raises serious questions about the future appeal of the sport for its biggest star, especially with new regulations emphasizing extreme energy management.
Key Takeaways from Verstappen's Critique:
- Verstappen labels the 2026 F1 cars as 'Formula E on steroids' due to overwhelming energy management demands.
- He criticizes the 'anti-racing' feel, stating it prioritizes efficiency over flat-out driving enjoyment.
- The Red Bull star hints that his personal enjoyment of the new regulations will directly influence his commitment to F1 beyond his 2028 contract.
- The 2026 F1 rules aim for a near 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, fundamentally changing the driving dynamic.
A Driver's Frustration: Energy Management Over Pure Racing
Verstappen made his feelings clear after completing 136 laps during the second day of Bahrain testing, before handing over driving duties to team-mate Isack Hadjar. While Red Bull’s early pace and energy deployment impressed rival teams, Verstappen focused less on lap times and more on the driving experience under the new rules.
"To drive [they are] not a lot of fun, to be honest," he said. "I would say the right word is management. It's not very Formula 1-like. It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids. But the rules are the same for everyone, so you have to deal with that.
"As a pure driver, I enjoy driving flat out and at the moment, you cannot drive like that. There's a lot going on. A lot of what you do as a driver, in terms of inputs, has a massive effect on the energy side of things. For me, that's just not Formula 1. Maybe it's then better to drive Formula E, right? Because that's all about energy, efficiency and management.
"We're energy poor. I just want normal driving, just how it should be without having to [say]: 'Oh, if I brake a bit longer or less or more, or one gear up or down.' It so heavily impacts the performance on the straights. Plus, the grip at the moment is quite low with these tyres and the car configuration. It is a big step back to how it was."
Despite his criticism, Verstappen admitted the overall look of the new cars wasn’t the issue, but rather the way the regulations have shifted the sport away from aggressive racing.
He added: "Honestly, the proportion of the car looks good, I think. That's not the problem. It's just everything else that is a bit, for me, anti-racing. Probably people will not be happy with me saying this right now. But I am outspoken and why am I not allowed to say what I think of my race car? I can't help that.
"I mean, I didn't write the regulation. If it was, I think, up to non-political aspects of making a regulation, I think, anyway, the car would have probably have looked very different."
Respect for Red Bull’s Work, But Doubts Remain
Verstappen acknowledged that his blunt comments were difficult to make, especially given the extensive effort Red Bull has poured into its 2026 project, including the work done by Red Bull Powertrains on its new in-house engine programme.
"On the other hand, I also know how much work has been going on in the background," he added. "Also from the engine side, for the guys. So, it's not always the nicest thing to say. But I also want to be realistic as a driver, the feeling.
"I also know what is at stake with the team; our own engine and seeing the excitement of the people. Of course, when I sit in the car, I will always give it my very best. They know that. Excitement level is not so high to drive."
Verstappen has long raised concerns about the direction of the 2026 regulations and hinted his future in Formula 1 could depend heavily on whether he still enjoys racing under the new era. His latest Bahrain experience did little to calm those doubts.
"A winning car for me, that doesn't matter. It needs to be fun to drive as well," the four-time world champion insisted. "I think at this stage of my career I am also exploring other things outside of Formula 1 to have fun at. I know that we're stuck with this regulation for quite a while. So, yeah, let's see."
With his contract running until 2028, Verstappen’s comments suggest the sport could face a major retention battle if the new cars fail to deliver the excitement drivers — and fans — expect.
And when asked about a potential Nürburgring 24 Hours appearance, Verstappen couldn’t resist another swipe at the battery-heavy future of F1.
"I mean, looking at it now, at least you can drive flat out there without looking after my battery... I want to do it. We are working on it to make it happen, but I cannot confirm it yet."
