Verstappen blasts new F1 rules with brutal 'Formula E on steroids' verdict

17:22, 12 Feb

Updated: 17:26, 12 Feb

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byTobia Elia

Max Verstappen did not hold back when commenting on the new 2026 F1 regulations and the next-generation cars.

“I want to be realistic as a driver — the feeling is not very F1-like. It feels more like Formula E on steroids”

- Max Verstappen

Speaking with GPblog among other media, the four-time world champion did not shy away from voicing his frustration with the new regulations and cars, going as far as to label them as “Formula E on steroids.”

“I want to be realistic as a driver — the feeling is not very F1-like. It feels more like Formula E on steroids. The rules are the same for everyone, so you have to deal with that, and that’s also not my problem, because I’m all for that — equal chances, I don’t mind that. But as a pure driver, I enjoy driving flat out, and at the moment you cannot drive like that.

“There’s a lot going on. A lot of what you do as a driver, in terms of inputs, has a massive effect on the energy side of things. For me, that’s just not Formula 1. Maybe it’s better to drive Formula E then, right? Because that’s all about energy efficiency and management — that’s what they stand for. Driving-wise, it’s not so fun.”

Photo: Race Pictures

Sainz deeply impressed by Verstappen and Red Bull

Despite his harsh criticism of the new regulations, the RB22 has been singled out by many — including Toto Wolff himself — as the current benchmark in terms of power unit performance and energy deployment.

The Spanish driver, who has at his disposal what is considered on paper one of the strongest power units on the grid, also admitted he was impressed by the new Milton Keynes car, effectively echoing Wolff’s view.

Read the full story here.