Formula 1 has once again become the target of heavy criticism from Max Verstappen after the 2026 Chinese GP. The Red Bull driver stated that the current regulations could “ruin the sport” and warned that, without rapid changes, the category risks suffering more serious consequences in the future.
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The four-time champion’s statements come amid the growing debate over the new technical philosophy adopted this season. The main point of contention lies in the power split between combustion and electric energy, now balanced at 50% for each side, something that has been profoundly changing the way cars are driven and how races unfold.
Verstappen had a frustrating weekend in Shanghai, which further amplified his dissatisfaction with the current Formula 1 scenario. He finished the Sprint in only ninth position, without scoring points, and later retired from the Grand Prix while still appearing within the points zone, after a failure in the ERS cooling system forced Red Bull to preserve the equipment.
With this, the Dutchman closed only his third weekend without points in the last four seasons. Still, the focus of his criticism went beyond the sporting result and directly hit the direction taken by the category in these new regulations.
The driver confirmed that talks with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali are ongoing. According to Verstappen, there is an open dialogue about the direction of the rules and possible corrections to reduce the problems seen by drivers since the start of the championship.
“You have to be a little careful with how you say things, but we are talking about it,” the driver stated. In the Dutchman’s view, Formula 1 and the FIA understand where the competitors’ complaints are coming from.
Verstappen also said he believes he represents the view of the majority of the grid. At the same time, he recognized that some drivers and teams have no interest in changes because they are benefiting from the current situation, indirectly citing Mercedes’ comfortable position at the start of this season.
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“I think I speak for the majority of drivers. Some, of course, will say it’s great because they are winning races, and that’s fair,” he said. “When you have an advantage, why would you give it up?”
The four-time champion went further by stating that the dissatisfaction is not just from the drivers. For him, the current regulations also do not please the category’s more traditional fans. “If you talk to most drivers, this is not what we like. And I also don’t think it’s what true Formula 1 fans like,” he declared.
Asked about the fact that Formula 1 also looks at the commercial side of the sport, as long as the public continues to watch, Verstappen responded directly. For him, this logic can be dangerous in the long run.
“I hope they don’t think that way, because it will end up ruining the sport,” said the Red Bull driver. “It will come back to hurt them later.”
Even while maintaining a harsh tone, Verstappen made it clear that he still believes in dialogue as a way to try to improve the situation. According to him, the biggest challenge will be getting enough support to approve changes, as the debate also involves political interests within the category.
“Not everyone needs to agree, but the majority needs to be in agreement to make changes,” he stated. “Some people feel they have an advantage now and want to use it, which is understandable. I understand that. I’m not stupid. But at the same time, if you look at the sport, it’s just not good,” he concluded.
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