This problem for the 2026 regulations has been solved, according to Verstappen

7 June at 14:00

On Thursday afternoon, the new regulations to be introduced in 2026 were presented. Earlier, Verstappen joked about having to get bananas, referring to the fact that the situation would resemble Mario Kart, but the Dutchman also sees positives about the car.

Last season, the Dutchman complained after doing simulations with the new engine. Then he claimed he had to downshift on the straight at Monza.

Verstappen thinks major problem has been solved

Meanwhile, this no longer seems to be a problem, said Verstappen: "I think what they have done now is they have changed a bit how you use the energy on the straight. So I don't think, actually, we have to downshift anymore But, of course, then the speed trace looks a bit different. And I guess more and more simulations are run from everyone, right? So everyone gets a bit of a better understanding of it as well. But, yeah, with the active aerodynamics, I think it's mainly, of course, to try and get around the issue on the straights, possibly. But, yeah, it's something that, if it's controlled well, I guess it's the same for everyone, right?"

Alexander Albon has claimed that the cars would be slower than current Formula 2 cars. Verstappen is not worried about this: "I think it depends on the track layout as well. From what I remember, some tracks probably will be a little bit faster. Some tracks will be slower. It just depends on the layout of the track, on the energy, what you can use, and, of course, the type of corners that you have on the track."

On Thursday, it was also announced that the DRS will disappear from 2026 and be replaced by various active aerodynamic systems. Verstappen says, "Well, I don't know how effective it's going to be. This is something that I haven't seen yet."