Max Verstappen has sent a clear message to the Formula 1 governing body showing his frustration with the new rules that will come into play in 2026, with hints of leaving earlier.
It appears as if the four-time world champion has grown to be more and more annoyed with the changes that are coming with this current set of regulations after three races during this year’s season.
What does Max Verstappen have to say?
Max Verstappen has previously stated that the 2026 power unit regulations make the sport feel more like Formula E than either an F1 car or an electric race car with additional power.
More than that, he has increased his criticisms of the regulations and their effect on F1 after experiencing a disappointing start to the season, including finishing in 8th place at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Many of Verstappen’s competitors believe that his criticisms stem from competition. But Verstappen has stated that his criticisms are not based on competition but rather on how much enjoyment he gets from competing in Formula 1.
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“People can easily say, ‘Yeah, well, you’ve won so many championships and races, and now just because the car is not good, you are complaining.’ Maybe you can see it like that, but I see it differently.”
Max Verstappen On Choosing Other Projects
The Red Bull driver made it clear that Formula 1 is not his only focus, pointing to opportunities outside the sport.
“I have a lot of other projects anyway that I have a lot of passion about. The GT3 racing. Not only racing it myself, but also the team. It’s really nice and fun to build that.”
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Max Verstappen is already set to compete in endurance racing, including the Nurburgring 24 Hours later this year, underlining that a future beyond F1 remains a realistic option.
“It’s not like if I were to stop here that I’m not going to do anything. I’m always going to have fun.”
Max Verstappen To F1 Governing Bodies
Despite reaffirming that he remains committed for now, Max Verstappen suggested that changes to the regulations could influence his long-term future in the sport.
“But it’s a bit sad to be honest that we’re even talking about this. It is what it is. You don’t need to feel sorry for me. I’ll be fine.”
He then delivered a pointed message to those in charge: “They know what to do.”
The remark comes amid growing pressure on the FIA, which has already scheduled discussions to review aspects of the 2026 regulations following early concerns from teams and drivers.
Max Verstappen is currently contracted to Red Bull Racing until the end of the 2028 season.
However, ongoing speculation around performance-related exit clauses has raised questions about whether he could leave earlier if results fail to improve.
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