P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Verstappen says F1’s new cars are the worst and now he’s just a manager
Max Verstappen has criticized the new 2026 F1 cars, labeling them as his least favorite to drive due to increased electrical power demands necessitating various energy recovery methods to charge the battery.
The Dutch driver is a vocal opponent of the new cars, foreseeing energy-saving techniques like lifting and coasting into corners becoming more prevalent in races, potentially leading to slower lap times, particularly in qualifiers.
Verstappen compared the driving experience to “Formula E on steroids,” expressing discontent with the energy management aspect of the new cars.
Despite Verstappen’s criticisms, reigning champion Lando Norris finds the new cars enjoyable and believes any driver dissatisfied with them can pursue other opportunities outside F1.
In a podcast appearance with David Coulthard and Naomi Schiff, Verstappen maintained his stance on disliking the 2026 cars, citing the focus on energy management as a detractor from the pure enjoyment of Formula 1 driving.
While some drivers, like Norris, appreciate the new cars, Verstappen continues to advocate for a more traditional, high-performance F1 experience.
