Verstappen prepares for 'long year': Champion left 'emotionally empty' by 2026 F1 cars

Speaking to GPblog among others after the session, the Dutchman explained how he felt standing in the paddock. “Actually no different than if I’d just had a normal qualifying.”

Verstappen still did not know the cause of the incident when talking to the media. “Yeah, I mean I just hit the pedal and the whole rear axle just completely locked, which is, especially with these Formula 1 cars very weird I mean I've never experienced that in my whole life.”

He was then heavily critical of the new cars: “I’m not enjoying it at all. But as I said, I don’t care where I qualify. Whether that was at the front or where I am now. In terms of emotion and feeling, it’s completely empty.”

Is it worse than on the simulator? “No, back then it already felt really bad. To the point where you just don’t want to drive it anymore. I’ve already explained that.”

The Dutchman therefore expects a long year ahead. He added: “I’m already preparing myself for that mentally.

“I have no emotion. It’s completely empty.”

Fortunately, Verstappen says, he can still do some GT3 racing in Germany: “At least I’ll enjoy that more. I already know that.”

Verstappen’s teammate, Isack Hadjar, did have a good qualifying. He finished third in Q3, behind George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.