Max Verstappen Blasts F1 2026 Rules: "I Warned You in 2023!"

The gloves are off! Max Verstappen has once again put the FIA and Formula 1 on blast regarding the highly anticipated 2026 technical regulations, revealing a stark "I told you so" moment. The Red Bull superstar isn't just voicing current concerns; he's claiming he flagged these very issues back in 2023, only to be dismissed.

Key Points on the F1 2026 Rule Debate:

• Verstappen's Prophecy: The Red Bull driver says he warned about critical flaws in the 2026 F1 regulations as early as 2023, and now feels vindicated.
• Widespread Disagreement: Verstappen asserts that "most" other F1 drivers share his concerns, despite public comments from Lando Norris.
• Technical Headaches: Key issues include dangerous closing speeds on straights and potentially difficult overtaking, which Verstappen agrees need addressing.
• FIA's Stance: The governing body has confirmed no immediate major rule changes will occur, citing "immature" feedback and the risk of instability.

The Champion's Bold Critique: "Formula E on Steroids"

Max Verstappen isn't one to shy away from an honest, if sometimes controversial, opinion. His initial characterization of the 2026 F1 regulations as "Formula E on steroids" certainly turned heads. Now, during the second week of pre-season testing in Bahrain, Verstappen has doubled down on his remarks, unconcerned by any potential commercial fallout.

"No, I haven’t heard anything," Verstappen stated coolly. "And I haven’t really been concerned with that either. I just gave my honest opinion, and I think that should be allowed." This defiant stance underlines his conviction that his criticisms are legitimate, regardless of the sport's commercial interests.

Echoes from the Grid: Is Verstappen Alone?

While Verstappen might seem a lone wolf with his outspoken views, he claims significant backing from his peers. "Most of them think the same way," he revealed, suggesting a deeper undercurrent of dissatisfaction among drivers. He even playfully dismissed Lando Norris's more positive assessment, quipping, "That one camp is more like a small easy-up tent, the rest are in a very big tent."

The Red Bull ace acknowledges his direct approach. "I might be a bit more extreme in how I say it, but that’s also because I don’t really care that much. Some people are a bit more diplomatic." This candidness has become a hallmark of the reigning champion.

Technical Troubles: Closing Speeds and Overtaking Concerns

The technical nitty-gritty of the new F1 2026 regulations is where the rubber meets the road. McLaren team boss Andrea Stella recently highlighted three key concerns: the start procedure, dangerous closing speeds on straights due to "lifting," and potential difficulties with overtaking.

Verstappen largely agrees with Stella on the latter two points. "The last two things, yes, but I already said that back in 2023," he reiterated. He criticized teams for not acting earlier, noting, "You can raise those points now, but maybe they should have looked at it a bit earlier as a team."

However, he differed on the start procedure, seeing it as a design choice related to the MGU-H. His playful jab? "Those who have problems with it, well, they can also start from the pitlane."

The Unheeded Warnings of 2023

Verstappen's insistence that he foresaw these issues is a central theme. He recounted a 2023 press conference in Austria where he first warned about downshifting and lift-and-coast on straights based on early simulator runs.

"When I said those things in 2023, I immediately got a lot of criticism," he recalled. "They told me, ‘No, that’s not correct and it won’t be like that’. But now it turns out that for 90% it actually is like that." For Verstappen, the current situation is no surprise. He pointed to factors like reduced drag with open wings making slipstreaming harder, and hard bottoming out when wings close, all impacting performance and safety.

FIA's Stance: No Immediate Course Correction

Despite the growing chorus of concern, the FIA has made its position clear: no immediate major regulatory changes are planned. In a recent statement, the governing body indicated that "initial evidence and feedback remains immature" and that "premature change carried the risk of increased instability ahead of the first race."

They plan "further reviews" once more data becomes available, suggesting a wait-and-see approach rather than a reactive overhaul.

The Road Ahead for F1 2026

Verstappen remains pessimistic about minor adjustments significantly improving the overall package. "Maybe the concept itself isn’t right and isn’t efficient enough," he mused. He believes true improvement would require fundamental rule changes, a decision not within his purview.

When pressed on whether such radical changes were even possible, Verstappen suggested a potential loophole: "If you frame it as a safety issue, you can change a lot of things." However, he admitted he hasn't discussed this with anyone, and the FIA's current statement indicates they aren't considering it. The F1 2026 season looms, with many questions still lingering over its controversial new era.