Max Verstappen doubles down on his critique of the 2026 F1 rules, insisting the sport must steer clear of becoming Formula E in disguise.
The four-time champion triggered a major buzz during last week’s Bahrain pre-season testing after branding the new regulations as “anti-racing” and likening them to “Formula E on steroids.” With power units leaning heavily on electric energy and approaching a near 50/50 split with internal combustion, battery efficiency is set to play a bigger role at every race. This shift could even push drivers to downshift on straights to conserve energy, a tactic familiar to Formula E where pilots sometimes pull back to save battery before unleashing late charges.
Asked on Wednesday whether more Formula E veterans could transition to F1 due to battery-management expertise, or if the sport could become a feeder series for the all-electric championship, Verstappen replied: “Well, let's hope not.
“I’m not talking about the drivers themselves—there are plenty of talented racers who could perform well here. But I don’t want us to drift toward Formula E.” He continued: “We should stay true to Formula 1. Don’t increase the battery capacity; rather, strip it back and concentrate on a strong engine. Let Formula E be Formula E, because that’s its purpose.”
Verstappen also praised the Gen4 car glimpsed so far, noting conversations with friends in the series suggest it will be “really cool.” Yet he urged teams to keep Formula 1 distinct and avoid cross-pollination.
His remarks highlight the ongoing split in opinion around the 2026 regulations. Reigning champion Lando Norris, for example, said the new cars are “a lot of fun.”
Verstappen added that his comments reflect his personal view, stating, “I’m simply sharing my opinion.” When questioned about potential pushback from authorities, he emphasized the right to free speech and his belief that people are entitled to his perspective, regardless of what others think.
For more context, see:
- How Red Bull plans to navigate Verstappen’s frustration with the F1 2026 rules
- What Verstappen’s warning of an F1 2026 “disaster” might imply
We want to hear from you: do you agree with Verstappen’s stance on preserving Formula 1’s distinct identity, or do you think the sport should embrace broader electric innovations? Share your thoughts in the comments.
