Max Verstappen has been vocal in his criticism of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, describing the new cars as “Formula E on steroids.” Despite his strong feelings about the changes to F1, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies is confident that Verstappen remains motivated to push the team for improvements. Verstappen’s dissatisfaction with the new cars was evident during the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, where he called for action from the FIA due to concerns about the regulations shared by drivers and fans alike.
Although there has been speculation about Verstappen walking away from F1 when his contract expires in 2028, Mekies believes that his commitment to Red Bull remains unwavering. Mekies highlighted Verstappen’s dedication behind the scenes and his attention to detail in providing feedback as proof of his continued motivation. Despite Verstappen’s reservations about the current-generation F1 cars, Mekies emphasized that he continues to work closely with the team to chase performance improvements, setting aside his personal preferences for the greater good of the team.
The latest F1 cars with hybrid power units have introduced a new split in power generation, altering the dynamics of racing and energy management. At the Albert Park Circuit, cars struggled in sections without heavy braking zones, leading to a unique racing experience for drivers. Mekies acknowledged the challenges posed by the current tracks and expressed that it was necessary to evaluate the performance of the new cars across a wider variety of circuits before making final judgments.
Although uncertainty looms over Verstappen’s future in F1, Mekies remains optimistic that the sport will continue to evolve and make necessary changes to address concerns raised by drivers like Verstappen. As discussions between teams, F1, and the FIA progress, there may be opportunities to enhance the cars and the racing experience based on feedback from drivers and stakeholders. Evaluating the impact of the new cars on different tracks will provide valuable insights for potential improvements in the future.
