Button: Verstappen's endurance racing won't change F1 regulation views

Former F1 champion Jenson Button believes Max Verstappen's active participation in GT3 and endurance racing will not alter the Red Bull driver's critical stance on Formula 1's new 2026 technical regulations. While praising Verstappen's passion for diverse motorsport categories, Button asserts that only a return to consistent winning in F1 will truly shift the reigning champion's perspective on the series' future direction.

Why it matters:

As a four-time champion and the sport's biggest star, Verstappen's public skepticism about the 2026 rules—which he has previously likened to "Formula E on steroids"—carries significant weight. His engagement in other racing series highlights a broader tension between driver passion and the evolving technical philosophy of F1, potentially influencing fan perception and the championship's appeal.

The details:

• Verstappen has been vocal in his criticism of the upcoming 2026 cars, which feature a near 50/50 power split between internal combustion and electric units, arguing they prioritize energy management over pure racing.
• Despite his F1 commitments, Verstappen regularly competes in events like the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS). He recently participated in the 58th ADAC Barbarossapreis, though his team was later disqualified for a technical infringement.
• Button, speaking to Sky Sports F1, framed Verstappen's extracurricular racing as a positive outlet, noting the sheer variety and fun of categories like Japanese SUPER GT, which Button himself raced in previously.
• The 2009 champion emphasized that driving other cars provides Verstappen with a necessary "release" and the opportunity to win in a different competitive environment.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to whether the on-track product of the 2026 regulations can win over its most prominent critic. Verstappen's satisfaction is intrinsically tied to Red Bull's ability to build a winning car under the new rules. Until then, his endurance racing exploits will remain a compelling side narrative, showcasing a champion's pure love for racing while his primary championship adapts around him.