Verstappen Criticizes 2026 F1 Cars: I Miss Real Driving Feel
Reigning champion Max Verstappen has voiced strong concerns about the direction of modern Formula 1 following pre-season testing.
The Red Bull Racing driver admitted he is not enjoying the driving experience of the new 2026-regulation cars and said he longs for a more authentic racing feel.
“You Can’t Predict a Champion from Testing”
Speaking after the second day of testing, Verstappen emphasized that it is impossible to determine the championship favorite based on early test results, especially under the new technical rules in Formula 1.
Looking at past winter tests, Verstappen noted that early performance rarely reflects the final championship outcome. With such complex new regulations, he believes teams are still in a discovery phase.
“Feels Like a Distraction Tactic”
Verstappen also responded to rivals positioning Red Bull as the benchmark team. Referring to Mercedes, he suggested such comments may be a distraction tactic but insisted his team remains focused solely on its own development work.
“Doesn’t Feel Like Formula 1”
The Dutch driver was particularly candid about the driving feel of the new cars. According to him, modern F1 machines have become less about pure driving and more about managing systems and energy.
“Honestly, they’re not very fun to drive. The right word is ‘management.’ It doesn’t feel like Formula 1 anymore. It’s a bit like a steroid version of Formula E,” Verstappen said.
While acknowledging that the rules are the same for everyone, he stressed that drivers can no longer push flat-out without heavy energy management considerations.
Cautious Optimism About Red Bull
Despite a promising start from Red Bull’s new power unit, Verstappen remained cautious. He praised the team’s early efforts and strong test mileage but warned that real performance will only be revealed at the first race in Melbourne.
“Winning Isn’t Enough—It Should Be Fun”
Verstappen emphasized that a winning car alone isn’t enough for him; it must also be enjoyable to drive. At this stage of his career, he is exploring other forms of motorsport enjoyment and remains curious about how long these regulations will remain.
Asked what he liked about the car, he joked: “I like the design. It looks great. The proportions are nice. That’s not the problem. The problem is everything else.”
Changing Nature of Racing
Verstappen believes the growing emphasis on energy management is changing the nature of racing, making it less pure. While confident that top drivers will adapt, he says his concern is the overall driving experience rather than championships.
He also hinted at interest in endurance racing, joking that at the Nürburgring 24 Saat he could “drive flat out without worrying about batteries.”
Summing up his stance, Verstappen concluded:
“I don’t care if we go 350 km/h or 300 km/h. I just want normal driving. Small inputs shouldn’t have such dramatic effects on straight-line speed. Compared to the past, this feels like a big step backwards.”
