Max Verstappen once again expressed dissatisfaction with the current Formula 1 regulations after the qualifying session for the Belgian GP. This time, however, the Red Bull Racing driver preferred to adopt a humorous tone by suggesting that he is avoiding making more forceful criticisms.
Read more F1: Bortoleto goes to Q3 and starts eighth in the Belgian GP
The four-time world champion highlighted the effects of the so-called ‘super-clipping,’ a phenomenon related to energy management that became particularly evident at Spa-Francorchamps, especially in the final sector of the track. According to Verstappen, much of the lap is done practically only with the combustion engine power.
Analyzing the behavior of the cars, the Dutchman compared the available performance in certain sections to that of a Formula 3 car: “For most of the second sector, you drive only with the combustion engine. So, what do we have, 450 or 500 horsepower? Something like that, which is more or less what a Formula 3 car has, but with the aerodynamic load of an F1 car,” he said.
Verstappen explained that this characteristic reduces the fun behind the wheel: “You can imagine that this is not very exciting to drive,” commented the Red Bull driver.
Despite the criticisms, the Dutchman avoided going deeper into the subject. Jokingly, he suggested that more incisive comments could generate unwanted repercussions: “Honestly, I don’t want to be here complaining again, because probably someone will kill me outside the door,” he said.
Read more F1: Check out the full qualifying results of the 2026 Belgian GP
The Dutchman highlighted that his current stance is to try to adapt to the circumstances imposed by the regulations: “As I’ve said before, I’m just mentally adjusting to this and trying to make the best of it, even if it’s not what I like or love to do in Formula 1,” he added.
Verstappen also stated that the experience at Spa has changed significantly compared to previous seasons. According to him, the transformation is not limited to a single section of the circuit but affects the track as a whole.
“It’s not just at Pouhon, it’s the entire circuit. It’s a different Spa, but yes, I have mentally readjusted to this reality,” concluded Verstappen, who secured second position on the starting grid for the Belgian GP and continues to seek to maximize performance within the current limitations of the cars.
Read more F1: Bortoleto talks about bet with Binotto and celebrates Q3 in Spa: «Everything fell into place»
