Max Verstappen found himself laughing during simulator sessions for the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone due to the challenges of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations.
The Red Bull driver described the experience after his podium finish at the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg. He said the fast and flowing layout of Silverstone offers few opportunities for energy recovery compared to tracks like Monaco or the Red Bull Ring.
"Silverstone, I love the track, but I did a few laps on the simulator and I just started laughing," Verstappen said. "It felt like a different track, to be honest."
Verstappen noted that drivers will face increased demands for energy management through high-speed sections such as Copse, Maggots and Becketts. He added that the 2026 cars feel less natural overall, though he welcomed upcoming regulation adjustments for 2027 and 2028 that will shift the internal combustion engine split to 58-42 next year and 60-40 in 2028.
