Steiner defends F1's new rules, says Verstappen 'throws toys out of pram'

Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner has pushed back against Max Verstappen's persistent criticism of Formula 1's new 2026-spec power units, suggesting the reigning champion is quick to "throw the toys out of the pram" when things don't go his way. Steiner argues the early reliability issues are a team engineering challenge, not a flaw in the regulations themselves, and has been pleasantly surprised by the competitiveness of new manufacturers like Red Bull Ford.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's vocal frustration represents a significant shift from a driver accustomed to dominance, highlighting the teething problems of a major technical overhaul. His comments, comparing F1 to "Formula E on steroids" and "Mario Kart," risk shaping fan perception of the new era. Steiner's counterpoint underscores the classic tension in F1 between driver sentiment and the sport's push for innovation, framing the current problems as growing pains rather than fundamental failures.

The details:

• Verstappen's Criticism: Since pre-season testing, Verstappen has been openly critical of the new hybrid power units, which use a 50-50 split of combustion and electrical energy. His complaints intensified after a difficult start to the season, culminating in a retirement in China due to an ERS issue.
• Steiner's Rebuttal: The former team principal directly addressed Verstappen's remarks, stating the rules are "not the fault of the regulations" but "the fault of the team" when cars fail. He cited the two McLarens failing to start in China as an example of a team-specific issue, not a regulatory one.
• Context of Struggle: Verstappen's criticism comes during an uncharacteristically tough period for Red Bull, which is managing its own power unit for the first time. Steiner acknowledged this challenge, noting he is "actually surprised how good the new engine manufacturers" are performing given the advanced technology.
• Driver Psychology: Steiner suggested Verstappen's mood is influenced by not having the best car, stating, "he's not used to not being in one of the best cars, so that doesn't help his mood to like the new regulations."

What's next:

The debate will likely continue as teams work to solve the early reliability gremlins. Steiner expressed optimism, believing the regulations "will develop over time" and emphasizing that "the racing was good, and that's the most important thing." All eyes will be on Red Bull's development pace and whether Verstappen's perspective shifts if the team returns to a position of clear strength. The performance curve of the new power units in the coming races will be the ultimate test for both the technology and the drivers' patience.