Mumbai, March 1: Max Verstappen has expressed concerns that following Formula 1 races will become more challenging for fans in 2026. The sport’s popularity has grown significantly, thanks in part to the recent Brad Pitt film and the Netflix series “Drive to Survive.” However, the new technical regulations set to be implemented in 2026, which focus heavily on energy management, may complicate the viewing experience, according to the Red Bull driver.
During a media day with Viaplay, Verstappen stated, “It will be complicated to follow and to explain. That’s the main thing. In the end, it’s still a Formula 1 car – a race car – and we will still qualify and race. But it will take some getting used to for everyone.” He also mentioned uncertainty regarding overtaking strategies, saying, “I honestly have no idea yet how that will play out. There are still a lot of question marks for all of us. On the other hand, that also makes it interesting, because it gives you a reason to tune in.”
Verstappen elaborated on the implications for his racing strategy, noting, “You have a certain amount of energy you can deploy over a lap, and then it depends on how good your engine is and how efficient your car is on the straights. So there are many elements that have to come together.” He pointed out that with everyone having their wings open on the straights, overtaking and defending will be different. He added, “The question is how much battery you can use at that moment, which is also quite limited. Those are all things that are still question marks for us as well.”
The four-time world champion has been vocal about his reservations regarding F1’s direction under the new regulations. When asked if the new driving style is exciting, he replied, “Anything you drive at the limit is difficult. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a Formula 1 car, a GT car, or a road car. But some things are more enjoyable to drive than others.” He questioned whether the current approach effectively engages the average viewer, stating, “I do ask myself: is this really what we want?”
Verstappen emphasized that adapting to a different driving style isn’t the problem, but rather the enjoyment factor. “For me, this has nothing to do with results. In the end, it has to remain enjoyable, and you need to have fun in what you do. If you don’t enjoy going to work, it won’t last long. I think that applies to everyone.”
He also hinted that the new regulations have not motivated him to extend his F1 career. When asked how long he expects to remain in the championship, he said, “Hopefully for a long time. But that’s always very difficult to predict. Everything is a bit hard to assess at the moment, including where we stand. Hopefully, it will all turn out better than expected.”
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