Max Verstappen labels F1 2026 his 'least favorite' era yet

Max Verstappen has declared the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season, shaped by new technical regulations, as his "least favorite" era of the sport so far. Despite his personal dissatisfaction with the cars' driving characteristics, the reigning world champion affirmed his unwavering commitment to giving his absolute best for Red Bull and its new Ford power unit partnership.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's candid criticism, echoed by several top drivers, highlights a significant shift in the sport's philosophy. The move towards smaller, lighter cars with heavy electrification and complex energy management is fundamentally altering the driving experience, raising questions about whether the new formula prioritizes spectacle over pure driver skill and car control.

The Details:

• Verstappen described the 2026 car as having "less grip" and accelerating faster out of corners, creating a challenging balance to manage.
• The driving style requires a complete rethink; it's no longer based on muscle memory from previous years, as the cars generate grip differently with less reliance on ground effect aerodynamics.
• He identified "management" as the defining word for the 2026 season, primarily referring to the drastically increased focus on battery and energy deployment strategies, which he previously likened to "Formula E on steroids."
• Despite his lack of enjoyment, Verstappen was full of praise for the Red Bull Powertrains and Ford operation, calling it "incredible" how the team built a reliable power unit from scratch in such a short time.
• He emphasized that his personal feelings would not affect his performance, stating he would "always give it my very best" for the people who designed the car and engine.

What's next:

The true competitive order and the ultimate driver reception of the 2026 cars remain unknown until the season begins in Australia. All eyes will be on Red Bull's bold new in-house power unit project with Ford to see if its reliability in testing translates to competitive speed. While drivers may grumble, the new era is set to redefine Formula 1, and Verstappen's determination ensures he will be at the forefront of mastering its unique challenges.