Verstappen Criticizes F1’s 2026 Car Plans
Verstappen has expressed his concerns about F1’s plans for the 2026 cars, describing them as “pretty terrible.” The concerns stem from the potential dangers of mismatching the chassis regulations with the planned all-new engines.
The proposed power distribution, with a 50/50 split between internal combustion engine power and electrical power, has raised worries about drivers running out of battery power during laps or resorting to unconventional measures like downshifting on straights.
Christian Horner, the Red Bull boss, cautioned at the Austrian Grand Prix that there was a significant risk of F1 introducing cars that fail to deliver an exciting spectacle. He emphasized the need to carefully balance combustion power and electrical power to prevent technical complications that would require excessive adjustments to the chassis, affecting the quality of racing.
Verstappen, the reigning world champion, has already seen simulation data on how the 2026 cars would perform, and his initial impressions are far from positive. He highlighted the need to downshift on the straights at Monza, a practice he believes is not conducive to progress. However, he acknowledged that it might be specific to that particular track.
Beyond the driving aspect, Verstappen is worried that the regulations will overly prioritize engine performance, leading to an imbalance in the field and compromising the quality of racing. He expressed concern that it could reignite an expensive development war focused on gaining slight advantages in horsepower, which goes against the intended direction for Formula 1. Additionally, the reduced drag of the cars could make overtaking on straights even more challenging.
To address the issue of minimal drag on straights, F1 plans to introduce active aero systems, potentially incorporating movable wings or retractable parts. Verstappen, however, remains skeptical about this approach, as it would relinquish control from the driver. He prefers to have control over the aerodynamics himself, adjusting them based on specific situations like following another car. He also noted that the weight of the cars would increase, further compounding the concerns.
Verstappen stressed the need to thoroughly evaluate these plans, considering that 2026 is not too far away. Based on the available data and numbers, he finds the outlook discouraging and not something he is currently excited about.
In summary, Verstappen has criticized F1’s 2026 car plans, expressing concerns about the potential negative impact on racing due to a mismatch between chassis regulations and new engines, an emphasis on engine performance, the introduction of active aero systems controlled by the system rather than the driver, and an increase in car weight. He believes these aspects could hinder overtaking and lead to an unbalanced field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Verstappen, F1 2026 car plans
What are Verstappen’s concerns regarding F1’s 2026 car plans?
Verstappen has expressed concerns about several aspects of F1’s 2026 car plans. He is worried about the potential mismatch between chassis regulations and new engines, the power distribution between combustion and electrical power, the reliance on engine performance, the introduction of active aero systems controlled by the system rather than the driver, and the increase in car weight. He believes these factors could negatively impact racing, including overtaking and the balance of competition on the track.
How does Verstappen feel about the proposed power distribution in the 2026 cars?
Verstappen is critical of the equal 50/50 split between internal combustion engine power and electrical power in the 2026 cars. He raises concerns about drivers running out of battery power during laps or having to resort to unconventional measures like downshifting on straights. He believes this power distribution may hinder racing and is not in line with the intended direction of Formula 1.
What is Verstappen’s opinion on the potential imbalance in engine performance?
Verstappen fears that the regulations for the 2026 cars will put too much emphasis on engine performance. He believes this could create an imbalance in the field, favoring those with the strongest engines and potentially leading to a costly development war. Verstappen believes that Formula 1 should aim for the opposite approach and promote a more level playing field.
What are Verstappen’s concerns about the introduction of active aero systems?
Verstappen is skeptical about the introduction of active aero systems in the 2026 cars. He prefers to have control over the aerodynamics himself and adjust them based on specific situations, such as when following another car. He worries that relinquishing control to the system could make driving awkward and not the right direction for Formula 1. He also expresses concern about the potential increase in weight and the impact it could have on the overall performance of the cars.
How does Verstappen feel about the overall outlook for the 2026 cars?
Based on the available data and numbers, Verstappen finds the outlook for the 2026 cars discouraging. He describes his first impressions as “pretty terrible” and expresses a lack of excitement about the plans. Verstappen believes that urgent attention is needed to address the concerns before it’s too late, as the implementation of the 2026 car regulations is not far away.
More about Verstappen, F1 2026 car plans
- F1 Flow.com
- “Urgent attention” needed to avoid F1 2026 rules ruining racing – Horner
- Wolff: ‘Frightened’ Horner’s 2026 fears prompted by Red Bull F1 engine concerns
3 comments
Verstappen’s concerns are spot on! The power balance between combustion and electrical power needs to be addressed. And giving control of the aerodynamics to the system? That’s a recipe for disaster. F1 should focus on promoting fair competition and exciting racing, not just engine performance. Let’s hope the regulators take note!
verstappen has some valid points here the 2026 cars dont look good at all the power distribution seems off and the active aero systems controlled by the system thats just weird who wants that i hope they listen to verstappen and make some changes because this is not what f1 needs!
I agree with Verstappen, these plans for the 2026 cars are pretty terrible. Racing should be about driver skill, not just who has the strongest engine. And relying on active aero systems controlled by the system? That’s taking control away from the drivers! I hope they rethink these ideas and make the necessary changes before it’s too late.