Verstappen expresses concerns about the 2026 regulations
In 2026, Formula 1 will introduce a new regulation for the powertrain, chassis, and slightly for aerodynamics. This new regulation is causing concerns for the Austrian team Red Bull.
2026 may seem far away, but not for Formula 1 teams. They will be faced with a new set of regulations. The goal of this rule change will be to have a hybrid engine that is much more powerful than the current one. For Formula 1, the engine’s power should be transmitted 50% through an electric engine and 50% through a thermal engine.
In addition to the engine change, the chassis of the single-seaters, as well as the aerodynamics, will undergo a complete change for the future regulations. Even though the complete regulations have not been presented, the Red Bull team has already sounded the alarm.
The Austrian team affirmed it, this regulation will have an impact. I have discussed it with the team and I have already seen the data on the simulator. For me, it is quite terrible,” explains the world champion in a press conference. The Dutchman gives an example to illustrate his point: “If you go full speed on the straight line at Monza, you have to shift down 400 or 500 meters before the corner because it is faster. I don’t think that is the right approach.”
The double world champion is against the direction that the new regulations will take. The problem is that it seems it will be a competition between engine manufacturers: the one with the most powerful engine will have the advantage. This should not be the path that Formula 1 should take, because it will lead to a massive development war. It is very costly to find a few extra horsepower here and there. I believe we should do the opposite.
“For the Red Bull team, the future regulations that will also involve aerodynamics are a concerning subject. Active aerodynamics should allow the car to have similar performances to current single-seaters. « Active aerodynamics, you cannot control it. The system will control it for you. In my opinion, this will make the car very difficult to drive. I prefer to control it myself. »” Max Verstappen said.
The double world champion is currently not enthusiastic about the future regulations. « We must seriously look into the matter, 2026 is not that far away. And for now, in my opinion, the figures and what I can already see in the data seem very bad. So I am not very enthusiastic at the moment. »
