Max Verstappen Warns 2026 F1 Rules Would be a Complete “Disaster”

Max Verstappen boldly claimed that the 2026 F1 regulations were seemingly becoming a disaster because of the uncertain energy management.

Max Verstappen Warns 2026 F1 Rules Would be a Complete “Disaster”

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Max Verstappen has not taken well to the 2026 F1 regulations as he continues to criticize them. Initially, Verstappen declared that the regulations made the sport turn into “Formula E on steroids,” which received some hilarious reactions from the community. Now, the four-time champion has gone on to label the new rules a complete disaster.

The power units of the 2026 season will focus more on the electric side of things. While the regulations aimed at making racing more exciting, they might have done the opposite. Reportedly, drivers are having to lift and coast the throttle ahead of the braking zones, which is causing them to lose crucial speed on the straights. Max Verstappen isn’t particularly a fan of this situation and has criticized it heavily.

Speaking on the new regulations and the pace of the cars, Max Verstappen pointed out that the cars were very energy-inefficient on the straights. Though the electric management was manageable on the Bahrain circuit, it could be a problem on other high-speed circuits. Verstappen reckoned that there were many tracks where this could be a big disaster for everyone out on track.

You’re very energy-inefficient on the straights, on this circuit it’s still manageable. But we’re also going to tracks where it will be a real disaster.

Max Verstappen said, as reported by motorsport.com.

Further, Max Verstappen revealed how the circuits of the Australian GP, or Monza, could be disastrous to race around. However, circuits like that of the Mexico GP would be unaffected because of the thin air and heavy braking throughout the track. Regardless, driving on the long straights would be difficult for the drivers, and the pace could be slower than ever over the races or qualifying sessions.

Melbourne, Monza for example. Not Mexico, because of the thin air and heavy braking. But that long straight there as well. Spa will be bad. There are quite a few.

Max Verstappen added.

Max Verstappen reveals 2026 F1 regulations “make no sense”

Any circuit with a long straight will remain difficult to drive around, and lap times could be much slower compared to in the past. Though the new regulations seem to help the cars go much faster than before, it is at a massive cost of lap times. However, the season hasn’t started yet, and the Bahrain circuit wouldn’t be a true testament to the car’s capabilities.

Laurent Mekies and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Laurent Mekies and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Still, Max Verstappen reckoned that the drivers might need to brake halfway down the straight because of running out of energy while pushing. The Dutchman joked that he was laughing at this fact because it did not make any sense. Regardless, Verstappen insisted that the full picture would be revealed after the season opener in Australia, as that track has many varying factors during the races.

Maybe we’ll have to brake halfway down the straight because we’ve run out of energy. I’m laughing about it now, but it really makes no sense. Like I said, this circuit is still manageable. When we go to Melbourne, you’ll really see how much you have to back off on the straights.

Max Verstappen noted.

The first race of the 2026 season is less than a month away now. Many teams and drivers are skeptical about how the season will turn out. Regardless, some of the drivers are looking forward to the challenge, and only time will tell how the teams continue to develop despite the uncertainty. Certainly, Verstappen will remain the driver to watch as he steers through the challenges to score impressive results in 2026.

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