« Formula E on Steroids »: Verstappen Slams F1 2026 Cars as Norris Fires Back
Four-time champion delivers scathing Bahrain critique of new regulations; reigning champion responds with blunt « he can retire » retort
Max Verstappen has unleashed a blistering attack on Formula 1’s 2026 revolution, branding the new cars « Formula E on steroids » and warning that the regulations could hasten his departure from the sport .
The four-time world champion’s comments during Bahrain pre-season testing have sent shockwaves through the paddock, prompting a fierce rebuttal from reigning champion Lando Norris who suggested his rival should walk away if he dislikes the changes so intensely .
« Anti-Racing » Critique
Verstappen left no room for ambiguity in his assessment of the new era featuring 50/50 electric-combustion power units and active aerodynamics. « To drive, not a lot of fun, to be honest, » he stated bluntly. « I would say the right word is management » .
The Dutchman compared the driving experience unfavorably to Formula E: « It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids. Maybe it’s then better to drive Formula E, right? Because that’s all about energy efficiency and management. That’s what they stand for » .
His criticism centered on the inability to drive flat out due to constant energy management. « There’s a lot going on. A lot of what you do as a driver, in terms of inputs, has a massive effect on the energy side of things. For me, that’s just not Formula 1 » .
The Retirement Warning
Verstappen’s dissatisfaction extended beyond mere technical critique to existential questions about his future. « A winning car for me, that doesn’t matter. It needs to be fun to drive as well, I think at this stage of my career, » he admitted. « I am of course also exploring other things outside of Formula 1 to have fun at » .
He acknowledged the regulations are locked in for years to come: « I know that we’re stuck with this regulation for quite a while. So, yeah, let’s see » .
Norris Fires Back
Lando Norris, who has taken over from Verstappen as defending champion, delivered a withering response to his rival’s complaints. « A lot of fun. I really enjoyed it, » Norris stated flatly. « If he wants to retire, he can retire » .
The McLaren driver expanded on his dismissal: « Formula One changes all the time. Sometimes it’s a bit better to drive, sometimes a bit worse. But no driver should be complaining about it » .
Norris accepted that the new cars require adaptation — « It’s different, and I think we all have to adapt to different things » — but rejected the notion that the changes diminish the driving experience .
The Technical Divide
The contrasting reactions highlight differing philosophies toward the 2026 regulations. Verstappen’s criticism focuses on the MGU-K’s increased output (350kW, nearly triple the previous 120kW) combined with limited battery capacity, forcing drivers into extensive « lift and coast » techniques and complex energy management even during qualifying .
Norris, however, appears to have embraced the challenge, having set competitive times during testing while adapting to the new demands.
Verstappen’s Defense
Despite the intensity of his criticism, Verstappen maintained he was simply offering honest feedback rather than political maneuvering. « Probably people will not be happy with me saying this right now. But I am outspoken, and why am I not allowed to say what I think of my race car? I can’t help that, » he insisted .
He also acknowledged the positives: « I like the livery, the livery is great! The car looks great. Honestly, the proportion of the car looks good, I think. That’s not the problem. It’s just everything else that is a bit, for me, anti-racing » .
The clash between F1’s two most recent champions sets up a fascinating dynamic for the 2026 season — one where the technical regulations have already created a philosophical divide before the first race has even begun.
Sources
- RACER: « Verstappen slams 2026 F1 ruleset as ‘Formula E on steroids' » (February 13, 2026)
- RacingNews365: « Max Verstappen delivers scathing verdict on new F1: ‘It’s anti-racing' » (February 13, 2026)
- Crash.net: « Max Verstappen delivers brutal ‘anti-racing’ critique of 2026 F1 cars » (February 13, 2026)
- Autosport: « Verstappen didn’t want to drive 2026 F1 car in simulator, doesn’t help me stay in F1 » (February 13, 2026)
- Crash.net: « Lando Norris says Max Verstappen ‘can retire’ if he doesn’t like 2026 F1 cars » (February 13, 2026)
- ESPN: « Norris on Verstappen complaints: ‘He can retire’ if he wants » (February 13, 2026)
- GPBlog: « Norris fires back at Verstappen over F1 rules: ‘If he wants, he can retire' » (February 13, 2026)
- The Race: « Norris: Verstappen can walk away if he dislikes F1 2026 so much » (February 13, 2026)