Max Verstappen doubles down on criticism of the new F1 regulations and hopes changes can already be made this season. At the same time, he says he is proud of the work done by the team over the past months on the RB22 and the power unit.
Max Verstappen versus the 2026 regulations – another chapter in a story that almost feels like a long-running movie saga, capable of rivaling the endless sequels of Fast & Furious or Mission: Impossible. Except this one is entirely real.
Even after the Australian Grand Prix, where the four-time world champion produced an impressive recovery drive from 20th on the grid to finish sixth, Verstappen once again directed sharp criticism toward the new regulations that have reshaped Formula 1. In his view, the changes have not improved the sport.
One of the most significant rule changes in the history of the Formula 1 circus places a major emphasis on the electrical side of the power unit, with energy supplied by the package consisting of the MGU-K and the battery system.
This has forced drivers to adopt driving techniques very different from those used in the past—sometimes almost unnatural—especially considering that Formula 1 has always been about extreme competition combined with cutting-edge technology. Over the past months, several drivers have voiced concerns about the new direction, particularly after testing the latest generation of cars. Today, Verstappen went even further with his criticism.
“I love racing, but there’s a limit to everything,” Max Verstappen said. “I think everyone is willing to listen—both the FIA and Formula 1—but I just hope someone will actually do something, because I’m not the only one saying this. A lot of people are saying the same things.”
“Whether it’s drivers or fans, we simply want the best for the sport. It’s not that we’re being critical just for the sake of it. We’re critical for a reason: we want this to be Formula 1, a real Formula 1 ‘on steroids’. Right now, obviously, it’s not like that.”
“What they should really be concerned about are the rules. That’s what they should focus on. I’m asked questions and I give my opinion about what I’d like to see and what I think is best for the sport, because I genuinely care. I love racing and I want it to be better.”
“We’ll see what can be done. I hope that even during this season different solutions can be found, so that it becomes more enjoyable for everyone.”
Verstappen proud of Red Bull’s work
When it came to the race itself, Verstappen was the author of a strong comeback drive, climbing from 20th on the grid to finish sixth at the checkered flag.
“We definitely have potential in the car,” the Dutch driver said.
“From the engine side, I think we’re not in too bad a place. At the moment I think where we’re lacking a bit of pace comes partly from the power unit and partly from the car itself. And that’s not bad, because those are things that can be improved.”
“I’m very negative about the rules, but at the same time I feel really proud of the team and also of the power unit department. The guys have done an incredible job. From that point of view I’m very happy to work with them. I would just like to enjoy driving the car a bit more.”
“Still, they’ve done an amazing job to put us where we are. We were fighting with McLaren, which is running the Mercedes engine. I think if we manage to improve a little bit, we can fight for better positions and then, of course, the world will look a lot better. The rules will remain the same, but things will feel better from a competitiveness point of view. Hopefully within the next few races we can take a small step forward,” Verstappen concluded.
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