Max Verstappen Declares F1 Fans Who Like 2026 Rules “Don’t Understand Racing”

Max Verstappen snapped back at the fans who liked the 2026 F1 regulations, claiming that they did not understand F1 racing.

Max Verstappen Declares F1 Fans Who Like 2026 Rules “Don’t Understand Racing”

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

In Short
  • Max Verstappen criticizes the 2026 F1 regulations, claiming they make overtaking more difficult.
  • He believes that only drivers benefiting from the new rules support them, while most drivers and real fans oppose them.
  • Verstappen likens the current racing experience to "playing Mario Kart," calling the regulations a joke.

The 2026 F1 regulations have been a major topic of discussion since the start of the season. Many drivers have blasted the complexity of the new regulations, claiming that overtaking is more difficult than ever. Now, Max Verstappen, who suffered from a disappointing outing in both the first race weekends, has snapped back at the fans who are pretending to like the new regulations.

At the season opener, the Australian GP, Max Verstappen suffered from a crash during Qualifying and ultimately finished in P6 in the main race. Moreover, he suffered from an unfortunate DNF at the Chinese GP because of mechanical issues in the car. Now, Verstappen has once again heavily criticized the regulations and how his “Formula E on steroids” claim is turning out to be true.

Max Verstappen reckoned that the drivers who were winning races and scoring much better results would like the new regulations. No one would want to give up their advantage on the track. Verstappen revealed that a majority of the drivers he talked to did not like the new regulations. Moreover, the four-time champion is sure that the real F1 fans do not like the current racing product.

On the contrary, Max Verstappen accepted that some people might like the new regulations. However, the Dutchman joked that these people did not understand racing in Formula 1, and thus did not have a critical review of it. Ultimately, the teams and drivers had to get used to racing under the regulations, as they did not have any other option at this point in the season.

I think I speak for most of the drivers. Some, of course, will say it’s great because they are winning races, which is fair enough. When you have an advantage, why would you give that up? You never know if you’re going to have a good car again. But if you just speak to most of the drivers, it’s not what we like. I don’t think it’s what the real F1 fans like. Maybe some fans like it, but they don’t understand racing. But hopefully we can get rid of this.

Max Verstappen said, as reported by motorsport.com.

Max Verstappen reveals 2026 F1 regulations “just a joke”

Max Verstappen did not hesitate to speak his unvaried opinion on the matter and put forth his disappointment with the regulations. Understandably, Verstappen has suffered from one of the worst starts in his racing career. However, the 28-year-old now labels the new rules, especially the electrical component of the power units, as a joke.

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Speaking on the regulations, Max Verstappen accepted that it was terrible. He added that if someone enjoyed this, they were not really aware of what racing in Formula 1 is about. Verstappen had similar thoughts to Charles Leclerc and claimed that racing now felt like playing Mario Kart. The four-time champion emphasized that the back and forth on track because of the boost mode was simply a joke.

It’s terrible, if someone likes this, then you really don’t know what racing is about, It’s not fun at all. It’s playing Mario Kart. This is not racing. You are boosting past, then you run out of battery the next straight, they boost past you again. For me, it’s just a joke.

Max Verstappen noted.

Formula 1 risks losing its core audience if they do not bring about changes to the regulations. Though major changes cannot take place in the rules, they can still be improved. Keeping in mind the massive backlash against the regulations, FIA and FOM will have to look into the matter and ensure that the drivers and fans remain satisfied with the racing.

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