Verstappen calls 2026 Red Bull car ‘Formula E on steroids’, says it’s not real F1

Core takeaway Max Verstappen walked out of Red Bull’s first 2026‑spec test in Bahrain and blasted the new car for feeling more like a battery‑managed machine than the outright‑speed machine he’s built his career on. He didn’t blame his engineers – he blamed the rulebook.

Why it matters

The sport’s 2026 regulations dramatically curtail raw power in favor of energy efficiency. If the era’s flagship driver can’t get excited behind the wheel, the whole premise of returning to “pure” racing could be called into question. Fans, sponsors and the commercial model all hinge on the perception that Formula 1 still offers the fastest, most visceral racing on four wheels.

The details

• Verstappen’s verdict: “It’s not very Formula 1‑like. It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids.”
• Energy focus: New power‑unit rules force drivers to constantly manage battery state‑of‑charge, throttling back on straight‑line aggression.
• Driving inputs matter: Braking a fraction longer, shifting up or down early, or easing throttle now has a massive impact on lap time.
• Grip and tyre limits: Early tests show lower down‑force and tyre performance, making the car feel “anti‑racing”.
• Aesthetic praise, performance pain: Verstappen praised the car’s looks but said the driving experience is “anti‑racing” and “energy‑poor”.
• Future outlook: The champion hinted he may look beyond F1 for pure‑speed thrills if the current package remains “not fun”.

What's next

The 2026 rule set is locked in for the next decade, but teams will continue to refine energy‑recovery systems, cooling and tyre compounds. Verstappen’s blunt feedback could pressure the FIA and Red Bull to prioritize driver‑feel in future development cycles. If the sport can reconcile sustainability goals with the raw excitement that made it a global spectacle, it may keep its biggest star – and its audience – on board.