Max Verstappen believes that the pecking order in Formula 1 is set to undergo a major change in 2026, due to the significant overhaul of technical regulations. With new regulations affecting both engines and car aerodynamics, the four-time champion thinks the season will bring surprises for the teams.
Read more Missiles in F1’s “backyard”: Iran attacks Abu Dhabi and Bahrain after US action and raises alarm
“The year is going to be quite insane with all the new rules,” Verstappen stated. “There will probably be a big surprise among the teams, compared to what we’ve seen in recent years. There are still many unknowns. For us, we also don’t know exactly what to expect, and that makes the season even more exciting, as no one knows what will happen,” he said.
Despite his prediction of major changes, the Red Bull Racing driver also expressed his dissatisfaction with the new cars, which require greater attention to energy management, something he considers ‘anti-racing’. However, he acknowledged that the magnitude of the changes has created an atmosphere of anticipation for the new season.
Read more F1 changes qualifying session format in 2026
“It’s a big change. Honestly, it’s the biggest change of the last ten years. It’s exciting because as a driver, when you drive the same car for several years, of course it evolves, but the basic concepts remain the same. And that’s going to change a little, or a lot, this year,” the Dutchman concluded.
