Formula 1 drivers, including Max Verstappen, have expressed frustration with the 2026 regulations during pre-season testing in Bahrain, describing the cars as requiring more management than pure driving. Red Bull's Verstappen likened the experience to 'Formula E on steroids,' while others like Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso echoed similar sentiments. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali remains confident that opinions will evolve as teams adapt.
Pre-season testing for the 2026 Formula 1 season concluded in Bahrain, where the new regulations drew mixed reactions from drivers. The rules introduce a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power, smaller and lighter cars, and active aerodynamics replacing DRS, shifting focus toward energy management.
Four-time champion Max Verstappen was vocal in his criticism after testing, stating, 'To drive, not a lot of fun to be honest,' and adding, 'It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids.' He emphasized the need for enjoyment at this stage of his career, noting, 'It needs to be fun to drive as well,' and hinted at exploring options outside F1 if the regulations persist. Lewis Hamilton described the lift-and-coast levels as 'not what racing is about,' while Fernando Alonso warned of 'less joy' behind the wheel and suggested energy considerations allow even 'the chef' to handle some corners.
Former driver David Coulthard, commenting on the Up To Speed podcast, predicted frustration for instinctive talents like Verstappen, Hamilton, and Alonso. He explained, 'They're actually becoming a lot more the manager of the car rather than the driver purely of the car,' arguing it does not reward the best driver naturally.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali addressed the concerns after a meeting with Verstappen, calling it 'very constructive.' He assured, 'Max wants and does care about F1 more than anyone else,' and expressed 'no doubt' about Verstappen's future in the sport. Domenicali noted that driver perspectives evolve with development, recalling past regulation changes like 2021 where initial fears of slower cars proved unfounded.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies echoed this optimism, stating 'zero concern' about Verstappen's motivation and predicting he would master the complexities. Jos Verstappen, Max's father, praised the team's stable atmosphere under new leadership and the engine's reliability. Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel tipped George Russell and Mercedes for the 2026 title, citing Russell's intelligence and work ethic.
As teams prepare for the season opener in Melbourne, the focus remains on adapting to these changes, with Domenicali emphasizing constructive dialogue with drivers and the FIA.
