Image: from Mila X@elaaott
By Open Chronicle Staff February 12, 2026
SAKHIR, Bahrain – Max Verstappen has never been one to mince words, and the Red Bull Racing star has delivered a scathing review of the 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations. Speaking to the press during pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, the Dutchman compared the new era of grand prix racing to a high-powered version of an electric series.
“I want to be realistic as a driver; the feeling isn’t very much like Formula 1,” Verstappen stated bluntly. “It feels more like Formula E, but on steroids.”
🗣️ "As a pure driver, I enjoy driving flat out, and at the moment, you cannot drive like that."
Max Verstappen says the 2026 regulations are not what F1 should be: pic.twitter.com/mSnbHEpvI8
— The Race (@wearetherace) February 12, 2026
Energy Management Over Raw Speed
The core of Verstappen’s frustration lies in the dramatic shift toward electrical power and the mandatory energy management strategies integrated into the new cars. Under the 2026 rules, drivers must navigate complex systems that dictate how and when power is deployed, moving away from the “pure” driving experience Verstappen craves.
“As a pure driver, I like to drive at the limit, and at the moment, it’s not possible to do that,” he explained. “There is a lot going on. Much of what you do as a driver, in terms of inputs, has a huge effect on the energy side. For me, that simply isn’t Formula 1.”
A Clash of Philosophies
The reigning champion suggested that the new focus on efficiency and tactical deployment of power might be better suited for other categories. In a jab at the current direction of the sport’s leadership, Verstappen remarked that those seeking to master energy conservation might find themselves more at home in the world’s leading electric racing series.
“Maybe it’s better to race in Formula E, because it’s all about energy efficiency and management, that’s what they stand for,” he added.
Impact on the Grid
While Verstappen acknowledged that the rules are the same for every team and that he supports a level playing field, he argued that the “fun factor” of piloting the world’s fastest cars has been severely compromised.
As teams continue to struggle with cooling issues and technical gremlins associated with the complex new power units, Verstappen’s comments echo a growing sentiment in the paddock: while the 2026 regulations represent a giant leap in sustainable technology, they may have fundamentally altered the sport’s DNA.