Dani Juncadella has admitted he fully understands Max Verstappen’s growing frustration with Formula 1’s latest generation of cars. Verstappen’s Nürburgring 24 Hours team-mate believes the new regulations have reduced the level of control drivers can truly feel over their own performance.
Verstappen has become one of the most vocal critics of Formula 1’s current technical direction throughout the opening phase of the 2026 season. The four-time world champion has repeatedly criticised the new hybrid power unit characteristics, energy deployment systems, and the driving style now required to extract performance from the cars.
This weekend Verstappen will compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours alongside Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entry. The event also marks Verstappen’s third appearance at the Nordschleife circuit this year.
According to Juncadella, one of the main reasons Verstappen struggles to enjoy the latest Formula 1 machinery is because the Dutch driver naturally wants to fully understand and control every aspect of the car’s behaviour.
“I can understand him. Max likes to be fully in control because that’s part of his personality. He wants to understand why things happen and how he can influence performance,” Juncadella told Motorsport-Total.
Juncadella believes the current Formula 1 regulations make drivers feel as though they no longer possess enough tools to directly influence the car’s performance. In his view, that limitation has become one of the biggest sources of Verstappen’s frustration this season.
“It feels like he doesn’t have the tools to influence his own performance. And I think that’s exactly what frustrates him. But honestly, more and more drivers are starting to reach the same conclusion and are not enjoying the current regulations,” he added.
Juncadella also suggested that Verstappen’s growing interest in GT3 racing comes from the category still offering what he described as a more “pure” racing experience compared to modern Formula 1 machinery. He believes GT3 cars provide more natural and direct feedback for drivers.
“I think that’s why Max enjoys GT3 racing so much because it feels pure. Here, when you press the throttle, the car simply goes without strange surprises. It feels like karting again, pure wheel-to-wheel racing with a bit of contact here and there, and that’s exactly what he loves,” Juncadella explained.
The comments further highlight the increasing criticism surrounding Formula 1’s latest technical regulations, particularly regarding the complexity of hybrid systems and energy management. Amid that environment, Verstappen’s growing involvement in GT and endurance racing is increasingly being viewed as an escape from the highly complex nature of modern Formula 1.
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