Max Verstappen Rejects “Struggle” Theory Behind Joke F1 Car Comments

Max Verstappen has reassured that his critical view of the 2026 season regulations would remain the same even if he were winning.

Max Verstappen Rejects “Struggle” Theory Behind Joke F1 Car Comments

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

In Short
  • Max Verstappen criticizes the 2026 F1 regulations, calling them "fundamentally flawed."
  • He asserts he would maintain his critical stance regardless of his race outcomes.
  • Verstappen highlights that only a few drivers are consistently winning, diminishing competitive racing.

Max Verstappen has remained one of the biggest critics of the cars under the new regulations in 2026. The Dutchman is suffering from woeful results and has understandably lashed out at the complexity of the new rules. Now, Verstappen boldly claims that he would have similar negative reviews of the rules if he were winning in the 2026 season.

Following constant criticism, Max Verstappen’s soon-to-be brother-in-law, Nelson Piquet Jr., had claimed that the former wouldn’t be so critical of the regulations if he were winning. Verstappen previously asserted that the new regulations were a joke and made racing worse than before. Now, the 28-year-old reassures that he would have been consistent with his claims even if he were winning races under the new regulations.

Max Verstappen asserted that only Kimi Antonelli and George Russell were capable of winning races because of Mercedes’ dominant start to the season. Additionally, only Ferrari was sometimes able to battle the Silver Arrows out front, but even then, they had moments of a good start before losing the position on subsequent laps.

It’s just Kimi or George that is winning, right? It’s not really back and forth, They’re miles ahead of the field. It’s just that Ferrari sometimes has these good starts that they push themselves in front, and then it takes a few laps to sort it all out.

Max Verstappen said, as reported by RacingNews365.

Upon this, Max Verstappen emphasized that this isn’t what racing in Formula 1 is all about. He reassured that he would have said the same things even if he were winning under the new regulations. The Dutchman highlighted that he was fighting more on track now, which was better and more enjoyable for him. However, he reiterated that the regulations were a joke and stood firm in his previous claims.

This has nothing to do with racing. I would say the same if I was winning races because I care about the racing product. It’s not about being upset of where I am, because I’m actually fighting even more now, of course. So you get to understand what you have to do and what it is about even more. For me, it’s really a joke.

Max Verstappen added.

Max Verstappen labels 2026 regulations “fundamentally flawed”

Certainly, some criticism towards Max Verstappen isn’t going to stop him from speaking openly and critically about the new regulations. The Dutchman is a straightforward and no-nonsense guy who doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind. As such, despite the backlash towards his claims, he has further labeled the regulations as ‘flawed’.

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

Max Verstappen believes that it might be too late to ask for critical changes to the 2026 regulations. However, he reckons that some minor changes can be introduced in hopes of improving racing. Ultimately, Verstappen pointed out that the overall regulations remained ‘fundamentally flawed’ and could cause massive trouble to the teams and drivers.

You can help it a little bit. But it’s fundamentally flawed.

Max Verstappen noted.

The 2026 season has just begun and has 20 more races to go. Max Verstappen might not be a common visitor to the victory lane, especially as Red Bull is suffering from a disappointing start to the season. However, Verstappen has showcased great resilience and has managed to perform well despite the circumstances.

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