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Max Verstappen did not hold back after a frustrating weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix, launching a fierce criticism of the new regulations introduced in the Formula One 2026 season.
The reigning world champion labeled the current racing format deeply flawed and questioned the direction the sport has taken under the revised rules.
Verstappen’s difficult race weekend in Shanghai
The race at the Shanghai International Circuit proved to be a challenging outing for the Red Bull Racing driver. A poor start saw Verstappen drop positions early, a problem that had also affected him during the Sprint race.
Reflecting on the race, Verstappen admitted the weekend had been far from ideal.
“It was expected, but again, the start of course was a big problem, the same as yesterday,” Verstappen began.
“The rest of the race was, again, the same as yesterday. Just a lot of graining. Can’t push, terrible pace, terrible balance, you know, like yesterday. Very bad weekend.”
His struggles were further compounded by a mechanical issue that forced him to retire from the race due to what he described as an ERS cooling problem.
Power issues and early-season struggles
Max Verstappen also pointed to recurring power-related issues that have affected his starts during the opening rounds of the season.
“So I had no battery in Melbourne, and here, the two problems were the same.
“I just have no power.
“As soon as I release the clutch, the engine is not all there.”
The new regulations place greater emphasis on energy management and battery deployment, significantly impacting overtaking strategies and race pace throughout the field.
Max Verstappen blasts 2026 regulations
The Dutch driver has been one of the most vocal critics of the 2026 rule changes, particularly the expanded role of battery power and energy recovery systems.
Speaking candidly about the new era of Formula 1, Verstappen questioned the authenticity of the racing spectacle.
“If someone likes this, then you really don’t know what racing is,” Max Verstappen bluntly retorted.
“It’s not fun at all. It’s like Mario Kart. This is not racing.”
He doubled down on his criticism while describing how the new energy deployment system influences on-track battles.
“We were slower this weekend, so we were fighting Haas and Alpine the whole race,” Verstappen continued. “Of course, some other cars, but look at the racing, boost to pass, and then you run out of battery the next straight, they boost past you again. For me, it’s just a joke.”
Despite the criticism, the Chinese Grand Prix featured intense battles across the grid, including a fight at the front involving Mercedes and Ferrari drivers. However, Max Verstappen maintained that the current format undermines the essence of racing.
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