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‘Almost don’t want to drive’: Max Verstappen is ‘emotionally drained’ by F1’s new 2026 cars
The four-time world champion Max Verstappen is not enjoying the changes to F1 in 2026, especially the new cars, as he crashed out of qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix in Q1, leaving him feeling ’empty’.
Verstappen has been vocal in his criticism of the sweeping new regulations of F1’s latest generation cars and expressed his deep dissatisfaction, suggesting that it affects him emotionally and drains him.
The Dutch superstar admitted that these challenging moments make him question his love for racing, hinting that he almost reaches a point where he doesn’t want to drive anymore.
Verstappen’s frustration with the new cars is evident, as he expressed his discontent with the need to constantly manage battery levels and energy consumption, rather than focusing on pure racing.
Starting 20th on the grid for the season opener, Verstappen anticipates a long and difficult 2026 season ahead, where he will have to adapt to the new regulations that he finds less about racing and more about energy-saving strategies.
