P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has provided his thoughts about testing the new Red Bull F1 car in the simulator, but has steered clear of the wider discussion surrounding the 2026 regulation changes.
Max Verstappen has tested Red Bull’s 2026 car in the simulator but maintains there is not “much use for it” currently. The Dutchman, ahead of his home grand prix at Zandvoort, finds himself all but out of the drivers’ title fight for the year, so attention is slowly shifting towards the looming regulation changes that will sweep over F1 this winter. At 97 points behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and only 10 rounds remaining, the four-time F1 drivers’ champion would need a miraculous turnaround with a sizeable chunk of good fortune to win a fifth consecutive crown. The focus is gradually moving onto the RB22 of next season, with the RB21 expected to see little development over the rest of the campaign. Verstappen is already thinking about 2026, explaining the process underway at Red Bull step by step, recognizing the importance of feedback as a driver. Despite using the simulator for his 2026 preparations, he feels there is only limited value it can bring at this stage, not wanting to engage in criticism of the new rules, choosing to maintain a neutral stance for now and wait and see.
