Max Verstappen spared no new criticism for the FIA after the entity requested feedback from Formula 1 drivers regarding the new 2026 technical regulations, with only a few days left before the start of the season with the Australian GP this coming weekend. The Dutchman questioned the delay of this request and the way the issue was handled.
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“It’s a bit late for that, isn’t it?” Verstappen stated in an interview with the press. The four-time champion highlighted that the massive investment made by the teams in the new regulations should have anticipated these concerns: “With everything that has been invested, these regulations will last for a long time. So, it was already predictable that these issues would arise now,” he stated.
Energy management problems have been a constant concern since pre-season testing, mainly with the 50:50 balance between electric power and the internal combustion engine, which has caused unforeseen difficulties. Teams, for example, are calling for urgent changes to race starts due to the delay of up to fifteen seconds for the release of the necessary energy.
Verstappen also commented on his expectations for the race in Melbourne, despite the criticism of the regulations. He admitted to being satisfied with Red Bull Racing’s performance and the integration of the car with the engine, highlighting the positive work done by the team: “It was a very good and proud moment to see how the whole project came together, both with the engine and the car. I was positively surprised by the overall feeling,” he added, referring to the team’s first in-house engine, manufactured by Red Bull Powertrains-Ford.
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However, the Dutch driver kept his feet on the ground when talking about the team’s performance, highlighting that although the team showed strength in testing, he does not believe Red Bull is the fastest on the grid: “We learned a lot in Bahrain, but we are not the fastest. I have no idea, we’ll see where we are here (Australia),” he added.
Despite the criticism of the FIA, Verstappen and Red Bull Racing remain confident in the work done, focusing on the upcoming races of the 2026 season.
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