Max Verstappen stated he is tired of repeating his criticisms of Formula 1 engine regulations and highlighted that many rivals are only now starting to perceive problems that, according to him, were already evident since 2023.
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The four-time world champion was one of the biggest critics of the power units with a 50% split between internal combustion engine and electric system. Already in the 2026 pre-season, the Red Bull driver classified the concept as “anti-racing” and even compared it to “Formula E on steroids”. The difficulties became even more evident in the first ten rounds of the championship, especially at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, where drivers faced energy limitations and constantly had to resort to lift and coast and superclipping. The FIA already foresees adjustments in the power ratio for 2027 and 2028, gradually increasing the internal combustion engine’s share to a split of up to 60:40.
Verstappen recalled that he had already pointed out problems in the regulations three years before their debut. At the time, he stated that, in Monza, drivers would need to downshift even on a straight to gain performance, in addition to warning that the rules could transform the category into an exclusive dispute between engine manufacturers, significantly raising development costs.
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Now, the Dutchman believes that other drivers have reached the same conclusion. “I’ve been saying what I think about these regulations for a long time. In the beginning, most people said: ‘Oh, he’s complaining, he should shut up.’ But I have to say that, in the last few races, more and more people are seeing the same thing that I’ve been seeing for a long time.”
“It’s not about me not winning anymore. It’s because I care about the product. I’ve said this so many times that there comes a time when enough is enough. People keep asking and I just say what I think. On some circuits, we are driving with very little power by Formula 1 standards, and that’s a bit painful. I saw this coming years ago. At some point, I also get a bit tired of repeating the same thing, because it’s already difficult enough just having to drive this way.”
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