Max Verstappen has responded to McLaren’s concerns about race starts, and he did so in typically blunt fashion. The Dutchman also addressed his fellow drivers: “Many agree with me about F1 2026, I just say it in more extreme terms.”
Although Max Verstappen did not take to the track on the first day of the final 2026 Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain, his voice echoed loudly throughout the Sakhir paddock.
The four-time world champion, after receiving sharp replies from Lando Norris when he previously shared his thoughts on the new generation of Formula 1 cars, fired back at the Woking-based team. Verstappen chose clear and direct words to comment on what Andrea Stella had said following the opening days of testing in Bahrain.
The McLaren team principal had expressed concerns about race starts, suggesting that the new power unit preparation procedures could make them problematic.
“We need to make sure that the start procedure allows all cars to have the power unit ready. Otherwise, we will see drivers starting more slowly, with the risk of triggering dangerous situations. It’s an issue that goes beyond pure sporting interest, so I believe all teams and the FIA must take responsibility for defining appropriate procedures,” Stella had said.
Ferrari had already expressed an opposing view on the matter, and today that position was reinforced by the Dutchman. Max did not hide his agreement with some of Stella’s broader concerns, but he firmly disagreed regarding the specific issue of race starts.
“I already said it in 2023. Overtaking is more difficult, coasting can cause problems, but the start is not a safety issue. You can have problems in that area, but as a team you should have considered it earlier. Regarding the start, it’s about the choices you make with the turbo. We made a choice voluntarily. Teams that have problems with the start can start from the pit lane.”
He then doubled down on his earlier predictions about the 2026 regulations.
“When I said it in 2023, several people commented that I wouldn’t be right. Now, apparently, I am right. I would say I was right 90%. Apparently my simulator wasn’t wrong.”
“I’ve seen what we have today materialize. Over the past few years, not much has changed. There have been small adjustments in energy usage and recovery, but all of this was already obvious some time ago.”
Verstappen also analyzed the technical factors affecting racing under the new rules.
“There are several factors. With the wings open, everyone has less drag, so it’s difficult to take advantage of the slipstream. When the wings close at the end of the straight, we bottom out quite aggressively. Downforce on the tires also plays a big role. You have to consider all of that.”
According to Verstappen, it’s not only the most experienced and successful drivers who share his opinion, but a large portion of the 22 drivers currently racing in the Circus. The difference, he suggests, lies in how openly they express it.
“I think many drivers agree with me. I’m just more extreme in how I say things. The others are more diplomatic than I am.”
He concluded with a remark that perfectly captures the essence of Verstappen’s mindset:
“There are people who do this for the sport, and others who do it for the money. And that’s how it is in every sport. Some people love football because they enjoy kicking a ball. Others just like making money.”
The 2026 F1 season is already shaping up to be as much a war of words as a war of technology, with Max Verstappen’s blunt dismissal of McLaren’s start-line concerns highlighting the intense pressure on teams to master the new power unit configurations before the season opener in Melbourne.
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