Former F1 Boss Says 2026 Rules Stripped Verstappen of His Braking Edge

Max Verstappen's vocal frustration with the 2026 Formula 1 regulations goes deeper than simple preference, according to former Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost. The Austrian believes the current power unit rules, which mandate battery harvesting and "super clipping" at the end of straights, have stripped the three-time world champion of one of his defining strengths: the ability to brake late and attack corners with maximum aggression.

Why it matters:

The mandatory 50/50 split between electrical and combustion power has fundamentally altered how drivers navigate circuits. For elite racers like Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Fernando Alonso, who built their reputations on conventional late-braking heroics, lifting off the throttle 10 to 20 meters early to recharge batteries isn't just an annoyance. It changes the DNA of racing, replacing raw driving instinct with energy management and potentially reshaping which talents succeed at the highest level.

The details:

• Tost explained that Verstappen's "Mario Kart" and "Formula E on steroids" comments reflect a genuine technical handicap. The need to harvest energy before braking zones prevents the all-out commitment that defined the previous ground-effect era.
• Despite driver complaints, Tost sees a clear benefit for spectators. He claims he hasn't watched a single boring race this season, arguing that increased overtaking validates the regulatory philosophy. Most fans, he noted, don't care whether the battery is full or empty.
• Regulatory relief is on the horizon. The FIA recently ratified changes for 2027 and 2028 that gradually swing the balance back toward internal combustion. Next season will adopt a 58-42 ICE-to-electric split, increasing to 60-40 by 2028.
• By the numbers: For 2027, ICE output will rise by roughly 20kW (25bhp) while ERS drops by 50kW (67bhp). Maximum harvesting per lap increases by 25kW to reduce super-clipping, accompanied by a 5 percent rise in fuel flow. By 2028, overall ICE output targets 450kW (600bhp), with another 25kW harvesting increase per lap.
• Verstappen's championship hopes have suffered under the current framework, managing just 55 points compared to leader Kimi Antonelli's 156 through the opening seven rounds.

What's next:

The FIA's approved trajectory for 2027 and 2028 signals an implicit admission that the current regulations leaned too heavily on electrical deployment. As combustion power returns, drivers who rely on aggression and late-braking could see their natural strengths become relevant again. The pressing question for Verstappen is whether he can withstand the current handicap long enough for the pendulum to swing back, or if the 2026 skillset will cement a new competitive order before relief arrives.