Max Verstappen demolishes “anti-racing” and “not fun” 2026 F1 automobiles

Max Verstappen slammed Formula 1’s new technology of automobiles after sampling the 2026 Red Bull in Bahrain testing, saying they’re “not fun to drive” and “FE on steroids”.

On day two of the primary three-day Bahrain check, Verstappen hosted his first correct press convention of 2026, having accomplished 136 laps on Wednesday earlier than handing over the automotive to team-mate Isack Hadjar right this moment.

Verstappen and Red Bull impressed the remainder of the paddock with their tempo and vitality deployment, however the Dutchman says he was extra involved with what the brand new technology of automobiles is prefer to drive, with a good larger concentrate on vitality administration.

“To drive [they are] not a lot of fun, to be honest,” he stated. “I might say the correct phrase is administration. It’s not very Formula 1-like. It feels a bit extra like Formula E on steroids. But the foundations are the identical for everybody, so it’s a must to cope with that.

“As a pure driver, I get pleasure from driving flat out and in the meanwhile, you can not drive like that. There’s lots happening. Numerous what you do as a driver, by way of inputs, has a large impact on the vitality facet of issues. For me, that is simply not Formula 1. Maybe it is then higher to drive Formula E, proper? Because that is all about vitality, effectivity and administration.

“We’re energy poor. I just want normal driving, just how it should be without having to [say]: ‘Oh, if I brake a bit longer or less or more, or one gear up or down.’ It so heavily impacts the performance on the straights. Plus, the grip at the moment is quite low with these tyres and the car configuration. It is a big step back to how it was.”

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images by way of Getty Images

He added: “Honestly, the proportion of the automotive seems good, I believe. That’s not the issue. It’s simply all the pieces else that may be a bit, for me, anti-racing.

“Probably individuals won’t be pleased with me saying this proper now. But I’m outspoken and why am I not allowed to say what I consider my race automotive? I can not assist that.

“I mean, I didn’t write the regulation. If it was, I think, up to non-political aspects of making a regulation, I think, anyway, the car would have probably have looked very different.”

Verstappen did say it pained him to be so frank in his views out of respect for the work his group and the facility unit division at Red Bull Powertrains had carried out, with each the automotive and engine showing to be in good condition to date – the brand-new engine division even defying expectations.

“On the other hand, I also know how much work has been going on in the background,” he added. “Also from the engine facet, for the blokes. So, it isn’t all the time the nicest factor to say. But I additionally need to be practical as a driver, the sensation.

“I also know what is at stake with the team; our own engine and seeing the excitement of the people. Of course, when I sit in the car, I will always give it my very best. They know that. Excitement level is not so high to drive.”

Verstappen had already voiced considerations concerning the 2026 guidelines over the previous few years whereas they’re being conceived, and instructed his enjoyment would play an enormous half in any choice to stroll away from F1 earlier than when his present Red Bull deal is up in 2028, and even earlier.

It would not sound like his expertise up to now in Bahrain helped F1’s case of conserving him within the collection into his 30s.

“A winning car for me, that doesn’t matter. It needs to be fun to drive as well,” the four-time world champion insisted. “I think at this stage of my career I am also exploring other things outside of Formula 1 to have fun at. know that we’re stuck with this regulation for quite a while. So, yeah, let’s see.”

When requested if he’ll participate within the Nurburgring 24 Hours, which has purposefully moved dates to keep away from a direct conflict with the F1 calendar, he jested: “I imply, taking a look at it now, a minimum of you may drive flat on the market with out taking care of my battery…

“I want to do it. We are working on it to make it happen, but I cannot confirm it yet.”

Photos from Bahrain Pre-Season Testing – Day 2

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Day 2, in images

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