Max Verstappen criticises 2026 F1 rules

Max Verstappen criticised Formula 1's 2026 cars, with BBC Sport and other outlets reporting he sees the new rules as making them too easy to drive.

Max Verstappen has criticised Formula 1's 2026 rules, saying the new cars are too easy to drive. BBC Sport reported the Red Bull driver discussed the character of the machinery, while Autosport, Motorsport.com and RaceFans reported that he also raised concerns about the new power units and the way the cars behave.

Autosport, Motorsport.com and RaceFans reported that Verstappen pointed to Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda as examples of how quickly drivers can adapt, which he sees as a sign the current package asks less of drivers. RaceFans also reported that Verstappen criticised Overtake Mode after the Italian Grand Prix, saying it left him unable to defend effectively.

Verstappen is sixth in the 2026 drivers' championship on 127 points. The Dutch driver has 71 wins, 51 poles and 129 podiums from 242 Formula 1 starts, while Lawson is ninth on 51 points and Tsunoda has one point.