Max Verstappen urges F1 to ditch hybrid engines, continues to bash upcoming 2026 regulations

Verstappen believes the V8 powered cars were much more enjoyable to drive.

Max Verstappen (Credits: F1RACINGNEWS)

Max Verstappen, the reigning double-world champion, has expressed dissatisfaction with the upcoming 2026 regulations. These regulations, which will introduce new engine specifications, are considered the next significant change in Formula 1 following the aerodynamics regulations implemented in 2022. Verstappen has raised concerns regarding the engines slated for use in 2026, stating that they do not adequately address the needs of the drivers.

Verstappen has now doubled his criticisms and urged the FIA to scrap the hybrid engine. He made a comparison to the V8 engines of the previous era. Verstappen’s comments highlight his appreciation for the characteristics of non-hybrid engines, particularly their smooth power delivery. He emphasizes these engines’ smooth pickup, torque, and overall delivery process.

He told the media, “I would definitely get rid of the hybrid. I think all the time, when I jump back in a V8 [car], I’m always so surprised how smooth the engine is. The top speed is slow compared to what we have now, but it’s just the pickup of the engine, the torque – it’s so smooth, the whole delivery process, the downshifts, the upshifts. So much more natural to what we have now.”

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“We can’t go back to 500/550 kilos, but I think where we are at the moment is way too heavy and we need to look into that. Also, I think these big tires, you don’t really see a lot when you go into corners in terms of hitting an apex, so I prefer the smaller tires – I thought [that era] was a lot more fun,” Max Verstappen continued.

Max Verstappen pinpoints aspects he hates about the 2026 regulations

Max Verstappen in the past has criticized DTS( Credits: Express and Star) — Max Verstappen ( Credits: Express and Star)

Championship leader Max Verstappen has expressed his discontent with the upcoming 2026 engine regulations vocally. He believes that the driving style required by these engines is not appropriate. Verstappen specifically mentions that under braking, the machine remains at a high level of throttle, which he finds peculiar and believes it will create a strange atmosphere during races.

He compares this aspect to the previous blown diffuser era, where the engines were kept at full throttle even during certain braking phases. The Dutchman believes the upcoming directives are unnecessarily complex and complicate various aspects of the sport.

?️ | Max: "Get rid of the hybrid"

"I would definitely get rid of the hybrid – The downshifts and the upshifts of the V8 are so much more natural"

"The cars are also too heavy and need smaller Tyres so you can see the Apex"

"Having draggier cars to stop the need for DRS too" pic.twitter.com/vaLKX67pOK
— RBR News ???? (@redbulletin) July 6, 2023

He expressed the need to examine the engine regulations, reiterating his prior concerns carefully. Verstappen acknowledges that some teams may view these regulations as advantageous and therefore support them, but he emphasizes that, as a racing driver, he finds them flawed.

Max Verstappen criticized the politics in Formula 1, suggesting that some teams may support the 2026 engine regulations for their advantage. He believes the regulations are not good for the sport and that decisions should prioritize the overall well-being of F1. His rival team Mercedes is adamant that no changes will be made despite this criticism, but it will be intriguing to see how this saga plays out.