'Not how it should be...' - Max Verstappen explains real reason why he's against new Formula 1 regulations

Max Verstappen has spoken out against new Formula 1 regulations, believing they restrict the influence drivers have during a race.

The 2026 season has seen focus switch towards using more electricity, with new power units that feature a power split between the internal combustion engine and electric energy. The new rules have led to a significant change in approach for drivers, who now have to carefully monitor battery deployment levels and ensure they do not spend too much power early on.

It was hoped the changes would make it easier for drivers to control their energy usage during races, but Verstappen doesn't seem to agree. He believes there are flaws with how the technology has been implemented, which has made it more difficult for the best drivers to gain an advantage on the track.

“With your throttle input, by being faster sometimes in the corners, you lose more on the straights afterwards,” Verstappen has told media.

“Which is not how it should be. I mean, in every kind of racing series, if you gain time in the corners, that’s just free lap-time.

“You would then not be penalised on the straight normally, whereas now you really have to think about: ‘Oh, I have to use a different gear.’ Or a different braking technique, or the way you go back on the throttle."

F1 drivers 'unable to make a difference'

Verstappen currently sits sixth in the F1 rankings at the summer break and will hope to make up for lost time in his final home race at the Zandvoort circuit next week.

To climb the table, he will have to show huge improvement on his first 11 races of the year, and that also means getting to grips with the regulations that have caused him problems in 2026.

When further pushed on those changes, Verstappen claimed the regulations prevented drivers from utilising their full potential on the track.

He added: “You need to be different, and basically it is just neutralising a lot of lap time. And that’s why, I guess, in general, you see a lot of close battles between teams and teammates. Because you just cannot make a difference.

“Like you’re not allowed to make a difference,” Verstappen explained.

“Because it will just penalise you on the next straight.”