Max Verstappen has been the latest driver to harbour dissatisfaction with the proposed 2026 Formula 1 regulations, citing that’s “not how I would have written them”.
However, the FIA’s plans have been met with scepticism from various drivers and team bosses, who are concerned about the vast reduction in lap times being touted.
Verstappen, who has issued complaints on several occasions, admitted that he has now adopted a neutral stance, despite claiming there were elements he’d change.
“I haven’t driven it more, but there are still so many things that need to be fine-tuned anyway to get a good picture and everything,” Verstappen addressed.
“And I said it before, I’m in the middle at the moment where we can give a lot of criticism at the moment but maybe when you drive it you’re like it’s actually not too bad, it’s quite fun.
“But naturally when I look at the regulations it’s not how I would have written them.
“But I also understand of course how the world is changing and we wanted to attract more manufacturers as well to get in.
“So if that is the way to go then I guess that’s where we have to head.”
Lewis Hamilton argued that the planned 30kg weight reduction down to 768kg is not enough, while Verstappen bemoaned last term how cumbersome the cars were.
The Dutchman has doubled down on his concerns as the minimum weight limit under the planned 2026 rules will still see the cars be over 70kg heavier than in 2014.
Asked to pinpoint one thing that he would like to see changed prior to the FIA determining the final regulations, Verstappen replied: “The weight. In general the weight.
“But that’s not realistic with how the cars are built at the moment. Engine wise, safety-wise and the size in general.”
The regulations being overhauled will come at a time when the pack has converged as the current rules have matured to bring an end to Red Bull’s recent dominance.
Both McLaren drivers have cautioned in recent weeks that the excitement that has derived from the field being close in 2024 will be eradicated once the reset arrives.
However, Esteban Ocon has contended that the upcoming regulations being restrictive in certain areas and preventing technical innovation will encourage a tight grid.
But Verstappen has sided with those who think the split between the top and bottom teams will grow, citing that maintaining stable regulations should be considered.
Asked whether he saw the grid separating when the cars change, he said: “It will be, naturally. People will get it right, some people will get it wrong. It’s always the case.
“It will be quite funny if everyone rocks up to day one and everyone has it sorted out. That’s not how it goes.
“Look at how our cars were two years ago to how they look now. It’s quite different. That shows that with new regulations it will be the same.
“It’s not like you see the regulations and know exactly what to do. That’s not how it goes.
“For sure, when we start with a new car, new regulations, new engines as well there can be quite a big difference between the engines as well. It will open up things again.
“I do think that we have to look in the future how can we make one regulation and not within four or five years completely change everything.
“I think in the history of Formula 1 it has never been done before and I think that would actually help a lot.”
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