2026 regulations
Max Verstappen eliminated early in Japanese GP qualifying amid car woes
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Max Verstappen was knocked out in Q2 during qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, securing only 11th place on the grid, while teammate Isack Hadjar starts eighth. The Red Bull driver described his RB22 as completely undriveable and voiced growing discontent with Formula 1's 2026 regulations, hinting at major life decisions. Jos Verstappen criticized the new era for prioritizing chaos over racing.
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri stated that Max Verstappen leaving Formula 1 would not be a great look for the sport. Teammate Lando Norris agreed it would be a shame, though he expects Verstappen to stay for a fifth title. The comments come amid Verstappen's criticisms of the 2026 regulations.
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Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has echoed criticisms of Formula 1's 2026 technical regulations, warning that they threaten the sport's core identity. In an interview with Swedish broadcaster SVT, Vettel stressed the need to preserve F1's 'DNA and heart' amid driver and fan concerns over racing dynamics. Governing bodies have responded with modifications to address these issues.