Max Verstappen takes a stand against the 2026 regulations, decrying F1’s political dance

F1 is set to undergo significant technical regulation changes for the 2026 season.

Max Verstappen in a press conference (Credits: Planet F1)

With a massive technical regulation overhaul scheduled for 2026, Formula 1 has become a battleground for teams as they take sides and engage in intense political discourse. Amongst them, Red Bull has been vocal against the new engine regulations, a sentiment shared by their driver, Max Verstappen. According to Verstappen, politics often overshadow the essence of the sport, a concern he finds disheartening.

The proposed engine regulations aim to achieve a balance between electrical and engine power, eliminating the MGU-H and emphasizing the use of the MGU-K. Additionally, there have been discussions about introducing active aerodynamics while potentially phasing out the Drag Reduction System (DRS).

Verstappen, however, strongly opposes these changes as he fears they may undermine the very fabric of the sport. He worries that some individuals within the F1 ecosystem prioritize political maneuvering over what truly benefits the sport. In his own words, “In F1 everything is political and there are always people who think ‘well, maybe I can take advantage of that.’ And I’m suddenly in favor, but in the end we have to look together at what is good for the sport.”

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Red Bull’s argument gets viewed with a political eye

Toto Wolff and Christian Horner in a press meet (Credits: Planet F1)

Red Bull’s argument centers around creating regulations that strike a balance by favoring a 5-10% increase in power output from the engine side. They advocate for sustainable fuels while reducing reliance on the electrical side. Verstappen echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the regulations must not allow the power unit to become the sole factor of dominance. He believes that the sport should remain driver-centric.

Mercedes, Red Bull’s rivals, strongly opposed this argument, viewing it from a political standpoint. Mercedes Team Boss, Toto Wolff has openly stated that there is no way the FIA will alter the rules in favour of the Austrian team. He also believes that Red Bull and Christian Horner are advocating for it only because they think their power unit might falter in 2026.

?: Mercedes boss Toto Wolff dismisses Max Verstappen's criticism of the F1 2026 regulations, stating there is "zero chance" of them being re-written. The new era of F1 in 2026 introduces new power units and chassis, with a focus on sustainability. Verstappen and Red Bull have… pic.twitter.com/dMaXxtI5A4
— F1 Naija (@f1_naija) July 5, 2023

Max Verstappen claims he feels the new regulations ‘very strange’

The current World Champion, having tested the proposed technical changes on the simulator, strongly objects to the need for excessively early braking, almost 400-500 meters before the braking zone, simply to facilitate the recharging of the battery by the MGU-K. This requirement strikes him as flawed. Furthermore, he also expressed dissatisfaction with the concept of active aerodynamics, finding it unappealing.

According to the Dutchman, “ When you have to downshift in a straight line, even when braking, the sensation is very strange, because the engine continues to rev almost at full speed.” He added, “The fact that the active aerodynamics is controlled by an external system also seems strange to me. pay attention to this aspect.”

https://twitter.com/TheF1Sector/status/1675881552536903680

Max has been vocal about these changes ruining his interest in the sport and potentially seeking retirement or switching to other categories after his contract runs through, in 2028. F1 has landed in its birthplace for the weekend. Red Bull go into the race with over 200 point lead over their rivals and have won every race thus far and will be hoping to continue their streak.