The new rules and regulations for the 2026 Formula 1 season have sparked major debate, with four-time world champion Max Verstappen leading the criticism after a disappointing pre-season testing outing. The Dutch star described the new cars as “Formula E on steroids” and suggested that the changes feel “anti-racing.”
The 2026 regulations introduce a 50-50 petrol-electric power split and replace the current DRS system with a new manual override system. While the cars have been visually praised, Verstappen made it clear that performance is his concern.
“The proportion of the car looks good, that’s not the problem. It’s just everything else that is a bit anti-racing,” Verstappen said. “Probably people will not be happy with me saying this. But I am outspoken and why am I not allowed to say what I think of my race car?”
He later added that the “current regulations are not helping the longevity of my Formula 1 career,” raising further eyebrows across the paddock.
Lewis Hamilton also questioned the new era, describing the rules as too complicated and potentially difficult for fans to fully understand. Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone voiced those concerns, warning that overly complex regulations could risk the sport losing fans.
However, several former drivers and figures within the sport have pushed back against Verstappen’s strong remarks, arguing that unity is crucial as Formula 1 enters a new chapter.
F1 icon slams Max Verstappen for his remarks
Speaking to AS Colombia, seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya criticised Verstappen’s public stance.
“Being a world champion like Max is – I know he can say whatever he wants – one has to be more responsible because he’s one of the leading figures in this sport,” Montoya said.
Eat, sleep, race, repeat 🔁#F1 || @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/jUWtULCja3
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) February 25, 2026
“It’s fine that he has an opinion, but at the same time he represents the product. Like Lando told him, if you don’t like it, don’t race. If he doesn’t do it, someone else will come along and replace him. If Max publicly says ‘this is a disaster’ people are going to think ‘this is a disaster’. It’s going to be different, but I don’t think it’s bad.”
The reigning champion Lando Norris initially dismissed Verstappen’s concerns, calling the new cars “fun” and bluntly suggesting that if he doesn’t like it, he can retire. However, Norris later softened his stance, admitting: “I agree with Max on a lot of comments… They are very different… Not the purest form of racing.” He added that much of the challenge now revolves around “getting the batteries to work.”
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Meanwhile, the former German F1 star Ralf Schumacher also urged caution. While acknowledging Verstappen’s right to speak his mind, he pointed out that Formula 1 is bigger than any individual.
“I understand Max too. Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion. But Formula 1 is bigger than any individual, even bigger than Bernie Ecclestone – and he invented it,” Schumacher explained at the Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse Podcast.
“Perhaps we should wait for the first few races before making such harsh judgements. We have to stick together. When you see everything that goes on behind the scenes – the rule changes, the work of the engineers – it’s not helpful to panic straight away.”
The 2026 Formula 1 season will get underway on March 8, with the Australian Grand Prix.
