Max Verstappen says new Formula 1 cars are "not fun" to drive, compares them to Formula E
The four-time world champion criticized 2026 regulation changes, citing energy management demands and smaller, lighter vehicles as departures from traditional F1.
2 hrs ago
Max Verstappen said Thursday that the new Formula 1 cars for the 2026 season are "not a lot of fun" to drive, citing radical regulatory changes that have altered the fundamental character of the sport.
Speaking to Sky Sport during preseason testing in Bahrain, the four-time world champion described the vehicles as resembling "Formula E on steroids." The comparison centered on the increased emphasis on energy management, which Verstappen said no longer feels like traditional Formula 1.
The 2026 regulation changes have made the cars smaller and lighter, with a critical role assigned to onboard battery charging and electric energy deployment for speed increases. Drivers must now manage energy recovery through multiple methods to maintain sufficient battery charge for optimal lap times.
These demands have introduced unconventional driving techniques. Drivers are lifting and coasting to conserve energy during qualifying attempts, avoiding full acceleration out of final corners, and downshifting in corners to optimize energy harvesting.
"In reality, to be honest, it is not a lot of fun to drive," Verstappen said. "What am I supposed to say about that? It is a bit like Formula E loaded with steroids."
Verstappen's criticism contrasted with the view of Lando Norris, who won the 2025 world championship by two points over Verstappen. Norris argued the new cars were "a lot of fun" and suggested that drivers unhappy with the regulations had other options. "Any driver can go and find something else to do. It's not like he has to be here or any driver has to be here," Norris said.
The new hybrid engines are structured to be energy-starved, requiring multiple recovery systems to ensure the battery maintains sufficient charge levels for competitive performance. Charles Leclerc set the fastest time during Thursday's preseason test.
Verstappen did not participate in Thursday's testing session; his new Red Bull teammate, Isack Hadjaral, drove instead.