Max Verstappen has intensified his assault on Formula 1's 2026 regulatory framework, declaring the forthcoming season his "least favourite era" in the sport.
The four-time world champion, speaking on the Up to Speed podcast, branded the new machinery as "not pure Formula 1" whilst lamenting the diminished driving experience.
Verstappen had previously likened the 2026 cars to "Formula E on steroids," a comparison that underscores his dissatisfaction with the direction the sport has taken.
The Dutchman identified "management" as the defining characteristic of the upcoming campaign, citing reduced grip levels and heightened demands on driver input as primary concerns.
Max Verstappen has blasted the new F1 rules as "not pure"
|REUTERS
The Red Bull driver elaborated on the technical challenges posed by the revised machinery, noting that grip is now generated differently, with less reliance on the floor.
This alteration means drivers find themselves sliding more through corners whilst simultaneously contending with increased power delivery on exit.
"The lower speed corners, you're just waiting a longer period of time to go full throttle," Verstappen explained.
The champion observed that previous seasons allowed for seamless transitions between years, with muscle memory serving drivers well in pre-season testing.
Former F1 star Ralf Schumacher hit back at Max Verstappen after his criticism
| GETTYThe 2026 regulations, however, demand a fundamental rethinking of driving technique and approach, marking a significant departure from recent practice.
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has cautioned Verstappen against such forthright condemnation at this early juncture.
The Sky Sports Germany pundit, speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast, urged restraint until competitive racing commences.
"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 remarked.
He emphasised the importance of solidarity within the paddock, noting that drivers ought to appreciate the considerable efforts of engineers working behind the scenes.
"Perhaps we should wait for the first few races before making such harsh judgements," he added.
Max Verstappen endured tough moments over the season last year but only missed out on the title by two points
| PADespite his reservations, Verstappen affirmed his unwavering commitment to extracting maximum performance from Red Bull's 2026 challenger.
"At the end of the day, when you go into competition, you will always do the best you can with what you have, because it's the same for everyone," he stated.
The Dutchman expressed admiration for the engineering team that developed Red Bull's inaugural in-house power unit from scratch, describing their achievement as "incredible."
Verstappen's concerns are not isolated within the paddock. Fellow world champions Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris have voiced comparable misgivings regarding the new regulatory package.