Max Verstappen launched another critique of Formula 1’s 2026 technical cycle following a difficult qualifying session at the Dutch Grand Prix. Speaking to media during a press conference attended by GRANDE PRÊMIO in Zandvoort, the Red Bull driver stated that individual skill has been marginalized because driving at the car’s limit requires managing electrical energy rather than taking high-speed risks.
With the 2026 power unit regulations placing a roughly 50-50 split between the internal combustion engine and electrical deployment, energy conservation has become paramount. Drivers are often forced to lift early on high-speed straights to avoid draining their batteries, which Verstappen believes lowers the skill ceiling required to extract a lap time.
“Some changes need to be made for next year. Especially in qualifying, the driver doesn’t make as much of a difference anymore,” Verstappen criticized.
“It’s much easier to take these cars to the limit now, because in many sections you have to look after the battery or it drains completely, so it’s far easier. That became even clearer this weekend when comparing it to last year’s cars. Throughout the season, the gaps have been 0.1s or 0.2s, and it goes to 0.3s when you have a bad run, so the margins are extremely tight.”
Verstappen endured a quiet session at Circuit Zandvoort, qualifying in 7th position. Addressing Red Bull’s ongoing struggles with the RB22, the home favorite admitted that handling balance remains their primary bottleneck.
“It’s the same balance problem we’ve had all weekend,” Verstappen lamented. “Even with all the changes we tried, the impact on the car wasn’t very big.”
Formula 1 action continues at Zandvoort on Sunday for the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. GRANDE PRÊMIO covers all track activities live from Zandvoort with reporter Leonid Kliuev. Follow all paddock updates on our news page.
Session schedule: Dutch Grand Prix 2026
| Session | Local time (CEST) | UTC |
| Race | Sunday, August 23 – 15:00 | 13:00 |
Broadcast guide: Where to watch in the United States
- United States (Eastern Time / ET)
- Broadcaster: Apple TV
- Race: Sunday, August 23 – 09:00 ET
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Why does Max Verstappen believe the 2026 cars are easier to drive on the limit?
Verstappen explained that drivers are forced to lift and manage battery charge on straights rather than attack corners at flat-out speeds, reducing the level of risk and physical input required to extract maximum lap time.
2. Where did Max Verstappen qualify for his 2026 home race at Zandvoort?
Verstappen qualified 7th on the grid, behind both McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari entries.
3. What is the power split for the 2026 F1 power units?
The 2026 regulations feature an equal 50-50 power split between the internal combustion engine and the electrical hybrid system.
