Max Verstappen has doubled down on his scathing review of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations following the Chinese Grand Prix, issuing a warning to the sport for the future.
China was another difficult weekend for the Dutchman, leaving with no points after an ERS coolant issue forced him to retire in the Grand Prix, and he finished ninth in the Sprint Race. It marked a rare, pointless weekend for Verstappen. Just his third in the last four seasons.
After the race, Verstappen confirmed that he’s been in talks with F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali about adjusting the regulations following the new 50-50 combustion and electrical regulations.
Verstappen warned F1 that the regulations will “ruin the sport,” even as some teams, like Mercedes, enjoy the benefits they have found in the changes.
“You have to be a bit careful with how you say things, but we are talking about it,” said Verstappen.
“I think they [FOM and FIA] understand where we are coming from as drivers, and 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.
“You know, when you have an advantage, why would you give that up? Because you never know if you’re going to have a good car again.”
However, the Dutchman recognised that the majority of drivers, even those benefiting, still don’t enjoy the way the cars work.
Charles Leclerc, despite finishing third and fourth in the first two Grand Prix, has spoken negatively about the way qualifying is no longer about individual driver performance.
Drivers are not happy
Max Verstappen supported this by saying, “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.”
While drivers have complained more about the state of the cars, there have been more overtakes for the lead and on-track action. It was pointed out to Verstappen that this may have dissuaded the FIA and F1 from making any changes due to the commercial aspect.
However, he gave a curt and brutal response.
“I hope they don’t think like that, because it will eventually ruin the sport,” he said. “It will come and bite them back in the ass.” He said.
“For me, as long as we can just communicate with them and make sure that we are working on some solutions that will help a lot, but it’s also going to be very difficult for everyone to agree.
“Of course, not everyone needs to agree, but most of the people have to agree to make changes. But, as I said, it’s political. Some people feel they have the advantage now, and, of course, they want to use that, rightly.
“So I get that. I mean, I’m not stupid, but at the same time, if you look at it, for the sport, it’s just not good.”
Despite the continuing complaints from various drivers, it seems clear that the FIA and F1 aren’t rushing to change the regulations. Instead, they seem content to enjoy the interest the sport is gaining from the on-track battles and let the teams work out the changes.
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