Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Verstappen urges FIA to rethink F1 battery systems
Max Verstappen has again voiced concerns about Formula 1’s 2026 power unit rules, warning the sport should avoid moving closer to Formula E and questioning the growing reliance on battery power.
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Max Verstappen has repeated his criticism of Formula 1’s upcoming 2026 regulations, particularly the increased role of electric power within the new hybrid engines. The next-generation power units will deliver roughly half of their output from electrical energy, a significant increase compared with previous seasons.
The shift has already influenced driving approaches in testing. Energy management is becoming a key factor, with drivers sometimes lifting on straights to preserve battery charge and prevent running solely on combustion power once the electric energy is depleted.
Last week, Verstappen described the direction of the regulations in strong terms, calling the concept “anti-racing” and comparing the new cars to “Formula E on steroids”. He also hinted that frustration with the rules could eventually affect how long he remains in Formula 1.
Formula E is also preparing a new generation car for next season, expected to deliver around 450 kW in race trim and up to 600 kW with attack mode. Verstappen, however, believes the two championships should remain clearly separate rather than moving closer together.
“Well, let’s hope not,” Verstappen said, as quoted by RacingNews365, when asked whether Formula E could become a feeder series for F1.
"I mean, it is not about the drivers, because there are a lot of good drivers who would be able to perform really well here, but I don't want us to be close to Formula E. I want us to actually stay away from that and be Formula 1, so don't increase the battery, actually get rid of that and focus on a nice engine and have Formula E as Formula E, because that's what they are all about. I'm sure that with the new Gen4 car, from what I've seen and talking to my friends, it is going to be a cool car, but let them be Formula E, and we should stay Formula 1, and let's not try to mix that," the Red Bull driver added.
"I'm just sharing my opinion, we live in a free world, free speech, and that's what I felt. That's what I felt, not everyone needs to feel like that, but that's how I felt, and then it doesn't matter what people have to say about it. I got a question, I shared my opinion, and I think I am allowed to do that, so it is not about receiving pushback or whatever, I was just being honest," Verstappen concluded.
