Max on driving with a new generation of F1 cars: 'Not fun at all'

Published on 12 February 2026 by Florence Cobben

During the second day of the three-day Bahrain test, Max Verstappen was busy answering questions from the press. The four-time world champion expressed his concerns about the new generation of Formula 1 cars.

When asked if he enjoyed driving the car, Max hesitantly answered: “It’s not fun at all. I would say the right word is management. But on the other hand, I also know how much work has been going on in the background, from the engine side, from the guys. So it’s not always the nicest thing to say, but I also want to be realistic as a driver (that) the feeling is not very Formula 1-like. It feels a bit like Formula E on steroids. But the rules are the same for everyone, and so you have to deal with that.”

He clarifies: “A lot of what you do as a driver, in terms of input, has a massive effect on the energy-side of things. For me, that’s just not Formula 1. Then it’s better to drive Formula E, right? ‘Cause that’s all about energy, efficiency, and management – that’s what they stand for. So yeah, driving-wise, not so fun. At the same time, I also know what is at stake for the team – our own engine. And seeing the excitement of the people – of course when I sit in the car I will give it my very best. They know that, but the excitement is not so high.”

Would winning with Red Bull Racing decrease Max’s pessimism towards the upcoming season? “A winning car for me doesn’t matter. It needs to be fun to drive as well, at this stage of my career. I am, of course, also exploring other things outside of Formula 1 to have fun at. I mean, I know that we’re stuck with these regulations for quite a while, so let’s see.”

There are positives, however: “I like the livery, the livery is great. The car looks great. The proportions of the car look good, I think. That’s not the problem, it’s just everything else is, for me, anti-racing. (…) I just want normal driving, how it should be. Without having to worry 'if I brake a bit longer, or less or more, or one gear up or down', or stuff like that – that it so heavily impacts the performance on the straights. Stuff like that. Plus the grip at the moment is quite low on these tyres. And the car configuration, is, I think, a huge step back to how it works.”

Finally, Max is asked about his possible participation in the 24H Nürburgring: “At least I can drive flat out there without looking after my battery.” Max jokes. “I want to do it, we are working on it to make it happen, but I cannot confirm it yet. (…) I need a race (before the 24H Nürburgring) just to learn the procedures.”