Max Verstappen did not wish to drive 2026 automobile in simulator: ‘Would not assist me keep in F1’

On the finish of the second day of testing in Bahrain, Max Verstappen shared his sincere opinion concerning the new Components 1 laws, and it’s honest to say he’s removed from impressed. Talking throughout the English-language media session, he described the package deal as “anti-racing” and “Components E on steroids”.

Within the Dutch media session that adopted, he went a step additional and revealed that he discovered the automobile so disagreeable to drive that final yr he instructed Crimson Bull that he didn’t even wish to proceed testing the 2026 equipment within the simulator.

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“The sensation in actual life is identical as within the simulator. Generally sure issues really feel a bit higher or worse within the simulator, however this time it was truly the identical. I’ve to say: at Crimson Bull, they sorted that out in a short time, having the simulator on level. So I knew very quickly that I didn’t really want to spend an excessive amount of time in it!”, he replied when requested by Motorsport.com.

Though the final half was stated with a smile, Verstappen made clear that he truly meant it significantly.

“Final yr, at one level, I intentionally stated that I didn’t wish to drive it within the simulator any extra. It felt so unhealthy in comparison with final yr, so I believed: You already know what, I’ll simply give attention to final yr’s automobile within the sim and we’ll see about the remaining this yr. It’s simply not good.”

When it was identified that he additionally disliked final yr’s ground-effect automobiles at occasions, Verstappen replied: “Sure, however that was nonetheless ten occasions higher than this.”

Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing

Picture by: Andy Hone/ LAT Pictures through Getty Pictures

In response to Verstappen, the weak factors of F1’ new ruleset are quite a few.

“To start with, you might be very inefficient on the straights by way of power. On this monitor it’s not too unhealthy, however we’re additionally going to circuits the place will probably be an actual drama. After which there’s the whole feeling within the automobile by way of grip and the way it’s important to drive it – it is simply not enjoyable.”

“Sorry, however this belongs in Components E”

It feels unnatural to the four-time world champion. George Russell has already defined that drivers must strategy issues extra tactically. The quickest means by a nook is not essentially the perfect strategy for total lap time. You may achieve two tenths in a nook, however since you get well much less power, drivers can lose three tenths on the straights.

“Sure, it’s kind of like that. And that simply is senseless in any respect, proper? In sure corners and at sure circuits, you’re higher off going by a nook a bit slower to get well extra power for the straight. Sorry, however that belongs in Components E.”

All of this does little to extend Verstappen’s motivation for a long-term future in Components 1.

“Look, we’re nonetheless racing in Components 1 and that’s nice. However when you’ve already gained and achieved every little thing, then it’s not likely needed [to stay around] any extra. There are lots of different good issues you are able to do. And I’m positively going to do these – possibly already this yr and in addition within the coming years. So, this actually doesn’t assist to maintain going for a really very long time.”

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing

Picture by: Alastair Staley / LAT Pictures through Getty Pictures

That will not be welcome information for some F1 followers, however Verstappen joked: “Then I’ll race elsewhere, proper? We are able to have a pleasant barbecue there and possibly arrange a celebration tent subsequent to the monitor!”

It underlines that Verstappen’s focus is more and more shifting in direction of endurance and GT3 racing.

“Particularly if the automobile isn’t good to drive, then I’m busy with different issues. Working laborious to get the GT3 automobile in a superb place – I used to be truly engaged on that this morning as nicely.”

“Some individuals gained’t be proud of my feedback”

Verstappen says he’s not overly involved about whether or not his future lies in F1 or elsewhere, however that will not be the case for the FIA and Components One Administration.

“I believe possibly they didn’t realise how unhealthy it might be, however we’ll see. Like I stated, this monitor isn’t too unhealthy. Whenever you go to Melbourne, that’s the place you’ll actually see how a lot you’re having to carry off on a straight.”

Verstappen is the primary F1 driver to talk so overtly about his considerations relating to the brand new laws. He acknowledges that not everybody will recognize his feedback, however insists he merely desires to share his sincere opinion with followers.

Pictures from Bahrain Pre-Season Testing – Day 2

Alexander Albon, Williams