Davidson counters Verstappen's 'Formula E on steroids' claim about 2026 F1 cars

Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson has directly challenged Max Verstappen's critical assessment of the 2026 Formula 1 cars, stating the reigning champion is "factually incorrect" in comparing them to "Formula E on steroids." Davidson urges patience, arguing it's too early to label the new technical era as "anti-racing" before the season even begins.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's vocal criticism carries significant weight as a four-time champion, potentially shaping public and media perception of F1's new regulatory cycle before its competitive debut. Davidson's rebuttal represents a pushback from within the paddock, highlighting a fundamental debate over the sport's technical direction and the validity of early judgments based on limited testing data.

The details:

• The Core Disagreement: Verstappen expressed unease with the increased reliance on electrical power in the 2026 cars after testing in Barcelona, labeling the experience akin to "Formula E on steroids" and suggesting it could be "anti-racing."
• Davidson's Factual Rebuttal: Davidson, now a respected analyst, countered that the energy management philosophy is fundamentally different. He explained that while Formula E cars deplete their battery from 100% to near zero in one direction, F1's system involves constant charging and discharging throughout a lap, making the comparison inaccurate.
• A Call for Patience: Davidson emphasized that Barcelona is one of the most demanding circuits for the lift-and-coast driving style required for energy harvesting. He suggested performance and feel will vary greatly by track, with Bahrain presenting a much less severe challenge, and urged waiting for actual racing before forming definitive conclusions.
• Broader Driver Sentiment: The article notes that other drivers, including George Russell, have also advocated for an open-minded approach, acknowledging the change but withholding judgment on its impact on racing quality until seeing it in competition.

What's next:

The debate will move from the test track to the race track as the 2026 season begins in Melbourne. All eyes will be on how the new power unit and energy management systems perform in a genuine race setting, determining whether driver concerns about overtaking and raceability are founded or if the new formula delivers exciting, albeit different, competition. Davidson's final advice—"Let's wait and see"—will be put to the test.