Max Verstappen, the current Formula 1 World Champion, has voiced his worries about the upcoming F1 2026 regulations, echoing the concerns raised by his team principal Christian Horner.
The 2026 engine regulation changes aim to increase the power generated from electrical components, particularly the MGU-K. The plan is for the MGU-K to produce around 350kW of electrical power, almost triple its current output. However, Verstappen is concerned that the increased reliance on batteries and the 50/50 division between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and electrical power could lead to cars not being able to produce enough energy.
Verstappen expressed his concerns during a press conference following his victory in the Austrian Grand Prix. He described the proposed changes as “pretty terrible,” citing the example of having to downshift on the straight at Monza for a faster lap time. He fears that the regulations could lead to an emphasis on the ICE and trigger a costly development war, which goes against the intention of Formula 1.
Furthermore, Verstappen raised concerns about the introduction of active aerodynamics, which aim to compensate for the reduced drag of the new chassis. He believes it will make overtaking even harder and expressed a preference for controlling aerodynamics himself.
Verstappen concluded by stating his disappointment with the current state of the 2026 regulations, highlighting the increased weight and negative impact on racing. He urged a thorough evaluation of the rules as the implementation date approaches.
Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, also emphasized the need for “urgent attention” to prevent the 2026 cars from becoming overly complex. He highlighted the importance of balancing combustion power and electrical power to maintain wheel-to-wheel racing. Horner suggested adjusting the ratio between the ICE and electrical components to ensure a better platform for the chassis and avoid the need for extensive movable aerodynamics.
In response to Horner’s comments, the FIA is actively considering the concerns and closely monitoring the simulations as they progress. Horner suggested that even a small adjustment in the balance between the ICE and electrical components could have a significant impact on the overall performance of the cars.
In conclusion, both Verstappen and Horner have raised concerns about the potential consequences of the F1 2026 regulations. They believe that adjustments to the ratio between the ICE and electrical components are necessary to maintain the essence of Formula 1 and prevent an overly complex and costly development race. The FIA is actively evaluating these concerns to ensure a balanced and competitive future for the sport.
