The new era of Formula One (F1) is only one race old, but several drivers are already raising serious concerns about the sport’s controversial 2026 regulations.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen delivered one of the most impressive drives of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, charging from 20th on the grid to finish sixth at Albert Park. But even that remarkable recovery did little to change his opinion of the new rules.
Asked if the race had shifted his perspective, Verstappen gave a blunt answer: “Yep.”
Max Verstappen Stands by Negative Impressions of New System
The Red Bull driver has been vocal about his dislike of the new generation of turbo-hybrid power units, which split their output evenly between a V6 engine and an electric motor. Because drivers must constantly manage electrical energy throughout the lap, Verstappen believes the cars have become overly complicated.
He previously described them as “anti-racing” and compared them to “Formula E on steroids.”
After Sunday’s race, Verstappen again urged F1 and the FIA to take drivers’ concerns seriously.
“Like I said, I love racing, but we can only take so much, right?” Verstappen said. “I think they are willing to listen, FIA and F1, I just hope of course that there is some action.”
He added that the criticism from drivers and fans comes from a genuine desire to improve the sport.
“It’s not like we are critical just to be critical, we are critical for a reason,” Verstappen said. “We want it to be F1, proper F1 on steroids, today that of course was again not the case.”
The Dutchman, who is under contract through 2028, has repeatedly said he could walk away from the sport if he stops enjoying it. But he insisted the bigger issue lies with the rules themselves.
“I think what they should worry about is the rules, just focus on that,” Verstappen said. “I do care about it, I do love racing, and I want it to be better than this.”
Lando Norris Expresses Concerns as Well
McLaren driver Lando Norris also voiced strong concerns, warning that the current system could even create dangerous situations on track.
One of the biggest talking points is the new “overtake” mode, which gives drivers a sudden burst of speed when attacking rivals who are slowing down to regenerate their batteries. Norris believes that large speed differences could lead to serious accidents.
“It is chaos, and we are going to have a big accident,” Norris said. “Depending on what drivers do, you can have closing speeds of 30, 40, 50kph. When someone hits another driver at that speed, you are going to fly and go over the fence and do a lot of damage to yourself and maybe to others.”
Despite the criticism, the race itself delivered plenty of excitement.
George Russell won the Australian Grand Prix for Mercedes after an intense early battle with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Kimi Antonelli finished second to secure a one-two result for Mercedes, while Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed the podium places for Ferrari.
Norris finished fifth, 51 seconds behind Russell, while Verstappen crossed the line one spot behind in sixth.
For now, Formula 1 officials have said they are open to tweaking the rules if necessary. However, Verstappen believes meaningful changes may be difficult.
“I mean it’s not like little tweaks, for sure,” he said.
