Key Highlights
- Max Verstappen says some former Formula 1 drivers have not studied the 2026 regulations and do not understand exactly how the new engine works.
- Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris have backed Verstappen’s views on the rules, although the Red Bull Racing driver says he is not seeking allies.
- After wins in Malaysia and Singapore, Verstappen is fourth on 221 points, eight behind Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
Verstappen Questions Former Drivers’ Understanding of the 2026 Regulations
Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 champion and Red Bull Racing driver, has responded to criticism of his views on the 2026 regulations by arguing that a number of former drivers do not understand the new technical rules. The Dutch driver spoke with De Telegraaf during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend after being shown recent comments from Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion. The exchange prompted Verstappen to focus on what he sees as a recurring problem when former drivers are interviewed about Formula 1’s new power units.
“Do you know what the problem is with a lot of ex-drivers?” Verstappen said. “They don’t study the new regulations at all. So they don’t know exactly how the engine runs and exactly how it works. Then they get asked about it on television, and sometimes very strange answers come out.”
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Verstappen was quick to clarify that his criticism was not directed at every former Formula 1 driver. He was quick to add that it “doesn’t apply to everyone, but it does apply to a number of them”.
Alonso and Norris Support Verstappen’s Technical Critique
Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris have both backed Verstappen’s opinions on the 2026 regulations. However, the four-time champion said he is not looking for allies and is speaking only about what he has observed so far this season.
“I just say what I think, what is wrong in my eyes and what could be improved,” he continued. “Sometimes I get criticised for that by certain people, or they say they don’t understand what I mean. But in the end, it will become clear whether something is good or bad.”
Red Bull Contract and Back-to-Back Wins Strengthen Verstappen’s Position
Verstappen has been among the loudest critics of the new regulations since they were introduced this season. The changes brought new power units with a much greater reliance on electrical power, prompting the Red Bull driver to question aspects of the package while also considering his own long-term future in Formula 1.
He admitted contemplating retirement from the sport but ultimately extended his contract with Red Bull Racing, the Milton Keynes-based team, until 2030. The agreement came only two months ago and was well timed: Verstappen has since scored back-to-back wins in Malaysia and Singapore.
Those victories have placed the Dutchman fourth in the drivers’ standings with 221 points, just eight behind Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton. The United States Grand Prix takes place from 23 to 25 October.
Why This Matters
The significance of Verstappen’s criticism lies in the scale of the 2026 technical reset. The new power units place much greater reliance on electrical power, making the debate over the regulations a question of both technical detail and on-track competitiveness. Verstappen brings recent results and stability to his position: his two wins have moved him to fourth in the standings, while his Red Bull Racing contract now runs through 2030.
Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris have also backed Verstappen’s interpretation of the rules, although he says he is not seeking allies. The United States Grand Prix from 23 to 25 October is the next scheduled race, with Verstappen eight points behind Lewis Hamilton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Max Verstappen think some former drivers give confusing answers about the 2026 rules?
Verstappen says many former drivers do not study the new regulations and therefore do not know exactly how the engine runs or works. He says that when they are subsequently asked about the rules on television, “very strange answers” can emerge, although he insists the problem does not apply to every former driver.
Have Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris agreed with Verstappen’s views?
Yes. Both Alonso and Norris have backed his opinions on the 2026 regulations. Verstappen says he is not seeking allies and is simply offering his assessment based on what he has seen so far this year.
Where does Verstappen stand before the United States Grand Prix?
Verstappen is fourth in the drivers’ standings with 221 points, eight behind Lewis Hamilton. He enters the next race after back-to-back victories in Malaysia and Singapore. The United States Grand Prix is scheduled for 23 to 25 October.
