Four-time world champion Max Verstappen remains unhappy with the 2026 regulations, and he believes they will make it a “long season” for both himself and Red Bull as they try to catch up to Mercedes.
After Mercedes dropped their sandbags during Saturday’s qualifying session for the Australian Grand Prix, Verstappen said he was not surprised by the German team’s pace, despite their attempts to portray Red Bull as the fastest car in Bahrain.
Ahead of Australia, Verstappen made it clear that he would continue to push the car to its limits, even though he does not enjoy how the 2026 regulation cars handle: “Whether I’m in this car, another car or a shopping cart, I always push it to the limit of what’s possible.”
During Saturday’s qualifying, Verstappen suffered an uncharacteristic crash when a torque spike unsettled the rear axle, causing him to spin and hit the wall.
Speaking to Viaplay after qualifying: “I’m not enjoying it at all. [When asked about the car versus simulator] No, it already felt bad then, too. To the point where you just don’t want to drive it anymore.”
READ MORE: What you need to know about the 2026 regulations
After the first race weekend of the season, Verstappen failed to find any silver linings in either the car or the new regulations. Although he charged from last on the grid to finish P6—a comeback that F1 and others celebrated as proof of more on-track action compared to previous years under the old rules—Verstappen saw it differently.
He dismissed the moves as mere traffic clearance rather than genuine overtakes, arguing that the cars he passed were “two seconds slower” than him. “I’m just clearing traffic, that’s how I see it… not a fair fight,” he said [via Sky Sports].
Looking ahead to this week’s race in China, Verstappen offered little optimism. He joked that the long straight would create headaches for most drivers, especially with the new 50/50 power units now in play.
“I hope that even during this year, maybe we can come up with some different solutions, so it becomes more enjoyable for everyone,” he said [via GPBLOG].
Verstappen has reportedly taken his concerns—and those of several fellow drivers—directly to the FIA during the first drivers’ meeting of the season. However, he declined to reveal what he told officials and instead hinted that a mole within the group had been leaking details to the media.
Featured Image: Red Bull Content Pool
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