Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Max Verstappen has insisted it is already too late to modify the new Formula 1 technical regulations for 2026 despite concerns raised by several drivers during pre-season testing.
The 2026 season marks the beginning of a major regulatory overhaul in Formula 1, featuring significant changes to both aerodynamic concepts and power unit architecture under the governance of the FIA. However, the new engine format has sparked debate among drivers regarding overtaking potential, race start procedures, and the need to slow significantly through corners to harvest electrical energy.
The season-opening Australian Grand Prix will provide the first competitive insight into how the new generation of cars performs under race conditions. Some voices in the paddock have suggested the FIA should remain flexible and potentially adjust the regulations based on early driver feedback.
Verstappen, however, believes the window for such changes has already passed due to the scale of investment teams have committed to the new rules.
“I think it’s a bit late for that.”
“The amount of money that has been invested into these regulations means they will be around for quite a while.”
“You could have seen some of these things coming earlier. If the concerns are only being raised now, it’s already a bit late.”
One of the most significant developments this season is Red Bull Racing entering the championship with its own power unit project for the first time through Red Bull Powertrains.
The early performance and reliability of the new package attracted attention during the Bahrain pre-season test, leading many observers to suggest the Milton Keynes-based team could begin the season as a strong title contender.
While Verstappen acknowledged the encouraging signs, he attempted to temper expectations despite expressing pride in how quickly the project came together.
“I’m very happy with what we achieved during pre-season.”
“It’s been a really proud moment for everyone in the team seeing how the engine and the car project came together.”
“I was actually positively surprised by how everything felt.”
Verstappen also noted that adapting to the new technical regulations has been a complex process for all teams on the grid.
“The rule changes are extremely complex for everyone, but in terms of the driving feeling and the interaction between the engine and the car, it felt good.”
“Of course there are some aspects that I personally don’t like, but what the team has achieved internally has been very strong.”
Despite the positive integration of the car and power unit, Verstappen admitted Red Bull is still searching for additional performance ahead of the opening race.
“Naturally we want to be a bit faster, because everyone always wants more performance.”
“From what we learned in Bahrain, we are not the quickest.”
“But honestly I have no idea where we stand yet. We’ll see where we are when the season starts here.”
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