Max Verstappen is once again leading the calls for change in Formula 1, wanting the sport’s energy-management aspect stripped away.
Since the 2026 regulations have seen further shifts toward removing the MGU-H and pushing the MGU-K’s output to 350 kW, introducing a near 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power.
However, it leaves drivers relying on heavy energy management throughout a single lap, with Verstappen among the first to criticise the regulations, saying it was closer to Formula E.
One of the biggest issues has been complaints from drivers like the Dutchman, who believe the changes have benefited drivers good at battery deployment rather than driving.
But Verstappen told media, that even the start procedure has become far too complicated.
“The start-up procedure can take four or five seconds,” said Verstappen. “Then normally you can just drive off.
“The problem is there is all the software in the background that can make you not pull away, or there is a glitch, or whatever. Even on slow laps, there’s stuff that can happen.
“When you cross the line, you should be able to lift off and not worry about charging your battery or making sure that it’s hitting the top of the pack at the right time.
“Or at the start as well, being sure that the battery is in the right place, and in an overtake, that the battery needs to be in the right place.
“You shouldn’t be thinking about where to lift off, or to go down the gear to make sure that you have better deployment.”
A shift back to combustion
Verstappen has always argued for a purer style of racing. The Dutchman is famous for braking late, which is less lucrative in the current era.
He went on to say: “All these kinds of things, that’s not what racing should be about.”
“You should be able to go out, have a brake pedal and a throttle pedal, and that’s what decides the lap time.”
After complaints from a selection of drivers, the FIA has begun implementing a move back to a 60/40 split toward the combustion engine. The end goal is 2028. Verstappen will eagerly await whether the shift fixes the woes he’s struggled with this year.
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