Max Verstappen 'terrified' of multiple drivers ahead of 2026 season

Four-time Formula 1 world champion is reportedly 'terrified' of several drivers ahead of the 2026 campaign.

With the Australian Grand Prix under a month away, teams are ramping up their preparations ahead of the new season.

Last week, the first official testing week took place at the Bahrain International Circuit, with Mercedes leading the time sheet.

This week, all 11 teams will return to the track in Bahrain as teams continue to familiarise themselves with the sport's new technical regulations.

Speaking recently, former F1 driver David Coulthard was quizzed on Verstappen's chances for the new season.

As per GP Blog, the Dutchman could be 'terrified' by a few drivers on the grid.

Max Verstappen is chasing his fifth Formula 1 world title. Image: Getty

The former Red Bull man revealed that during a private conversation with Verstappen, the 28-year-old picked out his rivals for the 2026 season.

Coulthard said: "He said anyone with a Mercedes engine.

"Williams look a little bit on the back foot. Right now, if you had to place a bet, George Russell for world champion is probably not a bad shout — but never write off Max.”

Recently, Verstappen has been vocal about the sport's new regulations, claiming they are making F1 into 'Formula E on steroids'.

Reacting to Verstappen's comments, Coulthard claimed that by the time the Australian Grand Prix comes around, the Dutchman will forget about the problems and just go for the win.

He said to talkSPORT: "At the end of the day, when it comes to racing and the lights go out, you just want to be fast and you want to be first. So testing aside, he’s now in his 12th season of Formula One. He’s been around for a few years, he’s earned the respect of his competitors and he has every right to have an opinion on the driving experience, but that won’t be on his mind when he gets to Melbourne.

"He’ll simply be thinking: how do I exploit this potential to the best of my ability? There will be a winner at the end — that’s the wonderful thing about racing. Once all the talking stops, it’s about the stopwatch and the chequered flag."

The 2026 F1 season will kick off with the Australian Grand Prix in March, taking place around Albert Park in Melbourne.