Max Verstappen has voiced his skepticism regarding the impact of Formula 1’s forthcoming 2026 regulations, suggesting that the changes may not significantly alter the competitive landscape. He remarked, “It looks like it’s going to be an ICE competition. So, whoever has the strongest engine will have a big benefit. But I don’t think that should be the intention of Formula 1, because then you will start a massive development war again, and it will become quite expensive to find a few horsepower here and there.” citeturn0search12
The 2026 regulations aim to balance power output between combustion and electric sources, mandating a 50-50 split. However, Verstappen and his team, Red Bull Racing, have expressed concerns that this shift may lead to an overemphasis on engine performance, potentially overshadowing other aspects of the sport.
Verstappen also highlighted potential challenges with the new rules, such as reduced drag making overtaking more difficult and the possibility of increased costs due to intensified engine development. He stated, “Plus, the cars probably have a lot less drag so it will be even harder to overtake on the straight.”
While acknowledging the need for evolution in the sport, Verstappen remains cautious about the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance that promotes both competition and sustainability without escalating costs or complexity.
Leave a Reply