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Verstappen Slams New Cars as 'Formula E on Steroids'

Verstappen says 2026 F1 cars emphasize energy management over driving skill, calling them 'anti-racing' and less enjoyable despite equal rules for all teams.

  • On Feb 12 in Sakhir, Bahrain, Max Verstappen criticised the new cars as `anti-racing` and said they are `not a lot of fun` to drive after testing.
  • The 2026 regulation changes introduced new power units aiming for a near 50/50 combustion-to-battery split, shifting technical priorities, after testing at Barcelona and Bahrain this year.
  • On-Track times showed varied pace across teams: Max Verstappen completed 136 laps and was second quickest on Wednesday, while Charles Leclerc, Ferrari topped Thursday with 128 laps and Lando Norris, McLaren did 139.
  • The FIA faces pressure to clarify rules for the full grid as Verstappen stressed that the same rules apply to everyone, signaling adaptation pressures.
  • The new era forces drivers to focus on energy tactics, with 2026 technical emphasis on electrical energy efficiency making battery recharging under braking and corners a key race factor.
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21 Articles

Lean Right

The Dutch pilot takes little pleasure in the package of his new RB22, as he was entrusted this Thursday, at the end of the second day of the official tests.

·Paris, France
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France24France24
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Center

Verstappen slams new cars as 'Formula E on steroids'

·France
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Lean Right

While a new regulation applies to car making in 2026, the Dutchman explained that they were not "fun" to drive.

·Paris, France
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  • 38% of the sources are Center, 37% of the sources lean Right
38% Center

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gpblog.com broke the news in on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
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