Max Verstappen: Red Bull driver insists he is 'motivated' despite concerns over new generation of F1 cars | F1 News

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has insisted he is “motivated” for the new Formula 1 season, despite his concerns over the sport's new regulations for the 2026 season.

In what is widely considered the biggest regulatory change in the sport's history, F1 has introduced new chassis and powertrains, with a focus on greater sustainability.

The new engines, which rely more on electrical power than the previous generation, require drivers to use new techniques to charge their batteries in order to achieve optimal lap times.

Speaking in Bahrain on Thursday in the second of three test events held to give teams and drivers the opportunity to adapt to their new machines, Verstappen said he found the cars less fun to drive.

“As a driver, the feeling isn't really like Formula 1. It's a bit more like Formula E on steroids,” the Red Bull driver said.

“But the rules are the same for everyone, so you have to deal with that. And that’s not my problem either, because I’m all for that, equal opportunities, that doesn’t bother me.

“But as a pure driver I like to go flat out, and at the moment you can't drive like that. There's a lot going on. A lot of what you do as a driver in terms of input has a huge effect on the energy side of things.”

“And for me it's just not Formula 1, because maybe it's better to drive Formula E, right? Because it's about energy, efficiency and management. That's what they stand for.”

“So yes, driving is not that fun. But at the same time, I also know what is at stake with the team, our own engine, and seeing the enthusiasm of the people. Of course, when I sit in the car, I will always do my best. They know that. But the excitement level is not that high, for driving.”

Despite his reservations about the technology, Verstappen said he and Red Bull were more motivated given they are making their own engine for the first time since joining the sport in 2005.

During last month's shakedown in Barcelona and the previous two days in Bahrain, the engine seemed to perform well above the expectations of most in the paddock.

Verstappen said Sky Sports F1: “You can't really say what's good or bad, but I think the positive is that we're not collapsing and everyone is super proud of the whole project, because it's huge.

“This is not an easy task to achieve. We are going in the right direction. Everyone is naturally very motivated to try to get this project off the ground. Every day we learn a lot.”

“Good drivers will know how to adapt”

Verstappen explained that his reservations about the new cars are not due to fear that he – or other top drivers – will not be able to adapt.

He added: “In general, in the history of the sport, the fastest or best drivers normally win the championship, or end up in the best team.

“But I think all good drivers will be able to adapt to it. That's not the problem, it's just that the whole way of racing is changing, and I would say less clear.”

“Good drivers will always be at the top and of course people who have a little more ability to drive fast will probably be up there.

“But that’s also not what I’m trying to say because that’s not my concern either, it’s just the general driving experience.”

Sky Sports F1 Bahrain testing schedule

First test: Friday February 13

• 3 p.m.: Last hour of live track
• 8 p.m.: Test wrap
• 8:30 p.m.: Ted’s test book

Second test: Wednesday 18, Thursday 19 and Friday 20 February

• 6:50 a.m.-11:05 a.m.: Live morning session
• 11:55 a.m.-4:10 p.m.: Live afternoon session
• 8 p.m.: Test wrap

Watch every race of the 2026 F1 season live on Sky Sports, starting with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime