Franz Tost believes the 2026 F1 rules have taken away one of Max Verstappen’s greatest strengths by forcing drivers to lift off the throttle before their usual braking point to recover electrical energy. Although the former Toro Rosso team principal understands the frustration expressed by Formula 1’s leading drivers, he insists the new regulations have still produced entertaining racing and more overtaking.
The 2026 Formula 1 season introduced one of the most extensive technical overhauls in the championship’s history. Its consequences have divided the paddock, with some praising the new generation of cars while others have been highly critical of the increased emphasis on energy management.
Max Verstappen criticises the 2026 F1 regulations
One driver who has never attempted to conceal his disappointment is four-time world champion Max Verstappen. Since the opening races of the season, the Dutchman has argued that the near-50/50 division between electric power and the internal combustion engine has reduced the quality of the Grands Prix. He even described the new cars as “Formula E on steroids”.
Max Verstappen’s criticism forms part of a broader debate over whether drivers should simply adapt to Formula 1’s “unnatural” new generation of cars or whether the regulations should be changed to restore a more instinctive style of driving.
How 2026 F1 energy rules affect Max Verstappen’s braking strength
Franz Tost, who worked with Max Verstappen at Toro Rosso during the Dutch driver’s debut season in 2015, does not share his former driver’s negative assessment. However, the Austrian believes the regulations have created a specific disadvantage for Max Verstappen and other drivers renowned for their ability under braking.
“I haven’t seen a single boring race this season,” Franz Tost told Krone. “Of course, there have been many discussions about the new regulations. I can also understand the frustration of leading drivers such as Max Verstappen, Lando Norris or Fernando Alonso, who were accustomed to exploiting their strengths under braking. But if you have to lift off the throttle 10 or 20 metres before the braking point to recover energy, that advantage is lost.”
The need to prioritise battery regeneration means drivers cannot always brake as late as possible. Instead, they may have to begin slowing earlier so that the power unit can recover sufficient electrical energy, changing the techniques they have developed throughout their careers. Charles Leclerc has similarly explained how the 2026 energy rules have reshaped his driving approach.
Franz Tost welcomes overtaking under the new F1 rules
Looking to the future, Franz Tost remained positive about the direction of the regulations. Further changes are already planned, with the power-unit split set to move to 58/42 next year and 60/40 in 2028 as Formula 1 introduces revised power-unit provisions for 2027 and 2028.
“Development is moving in a very positive direction,” Franz Tost concluded. “There are plenty of overtaking moves, which in my opinion is exactly what spectators want to see. Whether the battery is charged or empty is of no interest to most fans.”
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