Max Verstappen has hit back at former Formula 1 drivers who have criticised his stance on the 2026 regulations, arguing that some television pundits do not properly understand how the new power units work before offering their opinions.
Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the four-time world champion questioned how closely some former drivers study the technical rules, suggesting that their lack of preparation sometimes leads to what he described as “very strange answers” on television. His comments follow another intervention from 1996 world champion Damon Hill, who has recently expressed concerns about the diminishing role of driver skill in modern Formula 1.
Max Verstappen remains critical of the 2026 F1 regulations
Max Verstappen has been one of the most outspoken critics of Formula 1’s new generation of cars, introduced in 2026 with a power split that is almost evenly balanced between the internal combustion engine and electrical energy.
The Red Bull driver has repeatedly questioned how the regulations affect driving characteristics and wheel-to-wheel racing, comparing the new championship to “Formula E on steroids” and “Mario Kart”.
His frustration became so significant that he even considered retiring from Formula 1 after reaching what he described as a personal low point.
Verstappen’s criticism has contributed to a wider debate about the future direction of the championship, particularly the relationship between electrical deployment and internal combustion power.
Formula 1 has subsequently opened discussions about reviewing that balance, with the challenges associated with the new power units becoming an increasingly important subject throughout the season.
Questions surrounding the high electrical contribution were already part of the broader technical debate, including the difficulties involved in revising the 2026 engine regulations after manufacturers had committed to the new framework.
Damon Hill changes position on Max Verstappen’s criticism
Damon Hill was among the best-known critics of Max Verstappen earlier in the season.
After the Dutch driver revealed following the Japanese Grand Prix that he was considering leaving Formula 1, the 1996 world champion suggested to the BBC that Verstappen might need a break.
Several months later, however, Hill appears to have adopted a different perspective on the wider technical debate.
In a social media post, the former Formula 1 driver expressed concern that the increasing influence of technology could gradually reduce the importance of individual driving ability.
“In Formula 1, with artificial intelligence, hybrids and algorithms, over time the contribution of driver skill will be reduced or could become almost irrelevant,” Damon Hill wrote.
“I say this as someone who worked on the development of driver aids during my time at Williams. Is that what we want? That’s the fundamental question.”
Hill’s comments reflect a concern that the increasing complexity of Formula 1 technology could shift more responsibility away from the person behind the wheel.
Verstappen says former F1 drivers do not understand the new engines
Asked about Damon Hill’s position, Max Verstappen broadened his response to include former drivers who now work as television commentators.
Rather than focusing exclusively on Hill, he questioned whether some pundits had taken sufficient time to understand the new regulations and the technical characteristics of the 2026 power units.
“Yes, but do you know what the problem is with many former drivers? They don’t study the new regulations at all,” Max Verstappen told De Telegraaf.
“So they don’t know how the engine works and exactly what its mechanisms are. Then they’re asked about it on television, and sometimes they come out with very strange answers.”
“That’s the main problem. Of course, it doesn’t apply to everyone, but it does apply to some of them.”
Verstappen’s comments highlight the difference between experiencing the new generation of Formula 1 cars directly and analysing their performance from outside the cockpit.
In the Red Bull driver’s view, previous racing experience is not necessarily enough to provide an informed assessment of the current regulations. Understanding how the new technologies function, and how regulatory decisions affect the cars on track, is also essential.
Why the 2026 F1 power units have created controversy
The 2026 power unit regulations introduced a much greater electrical contribution, making energy management a particularly important part of how drivers approach a lap and compete against one another.
That change has influenced the way drivers use available power, especially when managing electrical deployment during acceleration, on long straights and while attempting overtakes.
The complexity of these systems has been reflected in subsequent regulatory discussions, including revisions to the 2026 technical rules governing energy recovery and deployment.
For Verstappen, the debate is not simply about whether the cars are fast. His concerns also relate to how naturally they can be driven and whether the regulations produce the kind of racing he believes Formula 1 should offer.
His criticism of former drivers therefore centres on the importance of understanding those technical consequences before making judgements about the championship.
Max Verstappen insists he is not looking for allies
Max Verstappen is not the only world champion to have questioned aspects of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations.
Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris have also expressed similar concerns on several occasions during the season, adding their voices to the discussion about the new cars and the direction of the championship.
However, Verstappen made clear that he is not interested in gathering support or forming a group of drivers who share his views.
“I simply say what I think, what I believe doesn’t work and what could be improved,” Max Verstappen concluded.
His position underlines his determination to continue expressing his views about Formula 1’s future, regardless of how many fellow drivers agree with him.
For Verstappen, the priority remains identifying the aspects of the regulations that he believes require improvement, rather than securing public support for his position.
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