Verstappen Shares Honest Opinion On Controversial 2026 Regulation Changes

Saturday, 13 April 2024 at 00:00

Triple World Champion Max Verstappen gave his opinion on the proposed regulation changes that F1 will implement in 2026.

One of the biggest changes for the 2026 season will be the power unit design. The new regulations prescribe a new kind of power unit that will be 50% powered by an electric motor and only 50% by the internal combustion engine.

The problem is that simulations suggest F1 cars with these power units might run out of power before the end of the straight. To combat this problem, FIA came up with the idea of taking more advantage of active aerodynamics.

Active aerodynamics are not new to F1; the DRS—drag reduction system—is a very popular active aero component in the current generation of F1 cars.

However, the new generation of cars for the 2026 season should have more active aero elements to produce more downforce in corners and reduce drag on straights, which would help with power management.

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When asked for his opinion, Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen tried to explain that he believes Formula 1 is not taking the right direction with such complex elements.

"With the potential like active aero and stuff, I'm not sure if we should head into that direction, but that's what it's looking like at the moment. Hopefully, we can optimise all these kinds of things."

"For me, it's more important to just try and fight the weight of the cars, try and optimise that instead of all these tools and tricks to try and help the overtaking or following. There must be different ways to be able to do it."

The ever-increasing size and weight of F1 cars is something that multiple drivers have been complaining about in the past. The 26-year-old added:

"With the engine regulation that they went into, they kind of need to do that to create the top speed where the battery stops deploying and stuff."

"Some tracks will work a bit better, and some tracks probably it's a bit more on the edge. Of course, people will try to counter my arguments, but I guess we'll find out anyway in '26."