Verstappen indifferent about '26 regulations: 'We control what we get'

The Dutchman is not sure yet what to think of the plans. "I'm quite in the middle. I mean, new rules are new rules. I do think that it's a bit of a consequence of the engine as well, right? They say it's 50-50, of course, between engine and battery, but it's not really like that, so that's why we need the active aero on the straight, to reduce the drag, to make it all, let's say, more sustainable, to do a proper lap. Otherwise, you run out of battery, which I think was a problem that they found out," the three-time world champion says.

Verstappen not passing judgement just yet

Red Bull Racing came up with the best package going into the new 2022 technical regulations. In 2026, there will most likely be a completely new order in the field again, and Verstappen also knows this.

"But besides that, I think the only thing, of course, is what maybe other drivers have said as well. Of course, the longer you keep the regulations the same the closer it gets between the teams. So 2026 will be probably quite a big reset. Also, not only from the car performance side but also from the engine side, people can hit the regulation well and have a big advantage on the engine, maybe. This is something, of course, that we don't know at the moment, but some people probably feel more confident about that than others. But on the other way, of course, F1 wanted to attract new manufacturers as well, and you need a rule change for that, of course, to happen."

Ultimately, the new regulations are something the drivers have to come to terms with. The FIA decides. "We will see. Maybe I am very positively surprised when I jump in the real car and I'm like, ‘Oh, this is amazing.’ I don't know. But at the moment, I'm in the middle. Like, whatever, you know, we drive what we get," said Verstappen.

This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy