Max Verstappen has voiced strong criticisms regarding the upcoming generation of Formula 1 cars after getting a taste of the 2026 Red Bull during testing in Bahrain. He described the vehicles as “not enjoyable to drive” and likened them to “Formula E on steroids.”
On the second day of a three-day testing event in Bahrain, Verstappen held his initial press conference of the 2026 season. After completing 136 laps on Wednesday, he turned the car over to his teammate Isack Hadjar the following day.
While Verstappen and Red Bull showcased impressive speed and energy management, the Dutch driver expressed his primary concern about the driving dynamics of the new cars, which emphasize energy conservation more than ever. “Honestly, driving these cars isn’t much fun,” he remarked. “The better term would be ‘management.’ It doesn’t feel very much like Formula 1. It’s like Formula E on steroids. However, the regulations apply uniformly, so we must adapt accordingly.”
He further elaborated, saying, “As a driver, I thrive on racing at full throttle, but right now, that’s just not feasible. There’s a lot to consider, and what you do behind the wheel significantly impacts energy usage. For me, that’s not the essence of Formula 1. Perhaps it’s better to compete in Formula E, which focuses heavily on energy efficiency and management.”
Verstappen continued, expressing his desire for a more traditional driving experience, stating, “We’re facing energy constraints. I want to drive as it should be, without constantly calculating the impact of braking longer or shorter, or adjusting gears. Every small change drastically affects performance on straightaways. Additionally, the grip levels are quite low with the current tires and car setup, which feels like a regression from previous years.”
He acknowledged, “In terms of proportions, the car looks promising, and that’s not the issue. It’s everything else that feels somewhat anti-racing. Some may not appreciate my honesty, but I believe I should be free to express my thoughts on my race car.”
Verstappen underscored that he had no hand in creating the regulations, saying, “If it were up to non-political factors, I believe the car would have been designed quite differently.”
Despite feeling compelled to share his candid thoughts, he expressed respect for the hard work of his team and the Red Bull Powertrains division, noting that both the vehicle and engine are performing well so far. He remarked that the new engine department exceeded expectations.
“I recognize the considerable effort invested behind the scenes, especially from the engine team,” he added. “It’s not always easy to voice such opinions, but I aim to be realistic about how I feel as a driver. I also understand the stakes involved with the team and the enthusiasm of our supporters. When I’m in the car, I always strive to perform at my best; however, the thrill of driving is currently lacking.”
Verstappen has previously expressed his apprehensions about the 2026 regulations during their development phase. He indicated that his enjoyment of racing would influence any decision regarding his future in F1, particularly as his current contract with Red Bull extends until 2028, or potentially sooner.
His experiences in Bahrain do not seem to bolster the case for him to remain in the sport into his thirties. “For me, a winning car isn’t enough. It also needs to be enjoyable to drive,” the four-time world champion asserted. “At this stage of my career, I am also exploring other avenues outside of Formula 1 for enjoyment. We’re tied to these regulations for a while, so we’ll see what happens.”
When questioned about his participation in the Nurburgring 24 Hours, which has strategically rescheduled its dates to avoid clashing with the F1 calendar, he humorously noted, “Looking at it now, at least I could drive flat out there without worrying about my battery… I want to do it. We are working on making it happen, but I can’t confirm anything just yet.”
