Verstappen told to 'shut up and drive more' as teams reject immediate 2026 rule changes

Max Verstappen faces criticism from a former F1 driver for his vocal complaints about the 2026 cars, while team principals have decided against making immediate changes to the racing rules following the action-packed Chinese GP. Meanwhile, Aston Martin has confirmed young American driver Jak Crawford will make his FP1 debut in Japan, replacing Fernando Alonso for the first practice session.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's persistent public criticism of the new 2026 regulations creates tension between the sport's biggest star and its rulemakers, potentially undermining the new era before it even begins. The teams' decision to hold off on changes suggests confidence in the current racing product, but leaves the qualifying energy management issue—a key driver complaint—unaddressed for now.

The details:

• Verstappen's Criticism: The reigning world champion has labeled the 2026 regulations "not fun" and "a joke" after the first two races, continuing his pattern of public skepticism.
• Pushback from a Champion: 1996 title winner Damon Hill questioned whether Verstappen should "shut up and drive," a sentiment echoed by former driver Johnny Herbert, who acknowledged Verstappen's success but noted "diplomacy is not his thing."
• Rule Change Decision: Following a virtual meeting, team principals opted for no short-term alterations to the racing rules, convinced by the high number of on-track battles witnessed at the Chinese Grand Prix.
• Qualifying Focus: The sole area earmarked for potential change is the qualifying format. The goal is to allow drivers to push for a full lap without early lifting to manage battery recharge, with drivers and teams set to be involved in crafting a proposal for the FIA.
• FP1 Debut: Aston Martin's junior driver, 20-year-old American Jak Crawford, will participate in his first Formula 1 practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix, taking over Fernando Alonso's AMR26 for FP1 at the demanding Suzuka circuit.

What's next:

All eyes turn to Suzuka, where the on-track action will be the ultimate test of the current regulations. Crawford's performance in a competitive car will be a significant moment for the American talent. The process to revise the qualifying energy rules will begin, but any concrete changes are unlikely before the FIA formalizes a proposal after consultation.