Criticism of the new F1 regulations – The opening days of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit were expected to generate excitement and optimism. Instead, they have sparked frustration, most notably from four-time world champion Max Verstappen. While much of the attention has focused on the competitiveness of Red Bull’s new car, Verstappen’s main concern is the current state of Formula 1 itself.
When asked by Sky if he had enjoyed his time on the track in Bahrain, Verstappen did not hesitate. “No, no, not at all,” he replied bluntly.
For a driver renowned for his relentless pursuit of speed and perfection, this was a striking answer.
“It’s no fun driving there at all. It’s a bit like Formula E on steroids,” he added, referencing the all-electric Formula E series in a comparison that will not please purists.
Verstappen: “It’s all about management.”
Verstappen’s frustration stems from the sweeping regulatory changes introduced in Formula 1, particularly those affecting energy deployment, fuel usage, and car behaviour. The Dutchman explained that he misses what he calls the ‘original Formula 1 feeling’ — a sensation defined by pushing flat out, lap after lap, without excessive constraints.
“As a driver, I enjoy going full throttle,” he told reporters. “But at the moment, I can’t do that.”
Instead, he described modern F1 driving as a constant exercise in management. Fuel consumption, energy harvesting, battery deployment and tyre preservation now dominate the workload in the cockpit.
“These cars aren’t much fun, to be honest,” Verstappen continued. ‘The right word is management.”
In other words, attacking every corner outright is no longer the default approach. Every action has a strategic consequence, especially when it comes to fuel usage. Drivers must weigh aggression against efficiency, often sacrificing instinctive racing lines to meet energy targets.
For someone who built their reputation on fearless overtaking and uncompromising pace, this change is clearly unsettling.
Flat out is no longer possible
Across Wednesday’s session, Verstappen completed an impressive 136 laps, gathering valuable data for Red Bull. Yet even that productivity could not mask his dissatisfaction. The core issue, he explained, is that he cannot attack every corner at full throttle.
In previous eras, Formula 1 drivers could focus on performance without constantly glancing at dashboards filled with energy readouts. Now, careful modulation of throttle input is often essential to stay within system limits. For fans craving pure speed, Verstappen’s comments reflect a wider debate about whether technological advances have made the sport less thrilling.
The comparison to Formula E was particularly pertinent. While Formula E is celebrated for its innovation and close racing, its early years were defined by strict energy-saving strategies. Verstappen’s “on steroids” remark suggests that he feels Formula 1 is drifting towards a similarly calculated style, albeit with far more power.
READ MORE – Wolff’s Shock Admission as Mercedes Falter in Bahrain
Hints about the future: Ready to walk…
Perhaps most intriguing were Verstappen’s comments about his long-term future. Despite being under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, the reigning champion acknowledged that enjoyment plays a crucial role in his decision-making process.
“If driving isn’t fun, you start thinking about alternatives,” he admitted.
For a driver who has already won multiple world titles and broken numerous records, motivation is increasingly linked to passion rather than legacy.
“When you’ve already won everything, there are many other exciting things you could do,” he added. While it was not a declaration of departure, it was a reminder that even dominant champions are not immune to doubt.
Commitment, but with caveats
Despite his criticism, Verstappen was careful to emphasise his loyalty to Red Bull and his commitment to the team’s ambitious engine project. “I know what’s at stake,” he said, acknowledging the efforts of the hundreds of engineers and mechanics working behind the scenes.
He also emphasised that his competitive drive remains intact.
“When I’m in the car, I always give my best,” he insisted. Whatever his personal frustrations, his performance standards have not dropped.
Nevertheless, his closing remark carried weight.
“But it’s not that exciting.” For a driver whose career has been defined by intensity and instinct, this sentiment may resonate beyond the paddock.
As testing continues and the season approaches, the spotlight will be on more than just lap times and development curves — it will also be on whether Formula 1 can restore the thrill that drivers like Verstappen believe is slipping away.
READ MORE – “This is ridiculous” Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari ‘Truth Bomb’ in Bahrain
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“We’re four seconds off the pace”: Aston Martin’s troubled start to 2026 – “We have engine problems, and not just engine problems. We’re not in a position to fight for victories. Right now, we’re four seconds off the pace.” is the shocking appraisal by Aston Martin. When Lance Stroll speaks in such blunt terms, it highlights the extent of Aston Martin’s concerns in the early stages of the season.
The 2026 Formula 1 campaign was supposed to signal a new era for the Silverstone-based team, which is now powered by Honda under the new regulations. However, pre-season testing in Bahrain exposed a package that appeared fragile, inconsistent and, for the time being at least, far from competitive.
Moreover, the issues appear to run deeper than a simple lack of outright speed.
Those with longer memories will no doubt recall Aston Martin’s star veteran driver, Fernando Alonso, and his ‘GP2 engine’ comments during the early days of Honda’s collaboration with McLaren in 2014. Perhaps the Honda curse has struck the Spaniard once again?
Honda Power Unit Under the Spotlight
Even before the first official test day had concluded, there was growing murmuring around the paddock.
Former driver and Sky Italy technical commentator Matteo Bobbi revealed that a source within Aston Martin had described the Honda power unit as ‘really bad’, and that Honda is already working intensively on…CONTINUE TO READ THIS ARTICLE
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These new regulations seem to make a mockery of ‘racing’. This sport really WON’T be worth watching if the best racer in the world walks away … and anyone taking the Championship will have a very hollow victory. Bad enough the likes of Norris and Russell are up there and in the mix.
My days of watching F1 are numbered …
Really. They were doing 300kmph a decade ago. Now they should have been at 400kmph to be honest. Instead they are at 250kmph. What a waste!!