Max Verstappen feeling "utterly empty" about F1 2026 automobiles

Max Verstappen continued his longstanding criticism of the 2026 System 1 rules by saying he feels “utterly empty” after qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix.

The championship is debuting its newest overhaul this 12 months and the present ruleset is arguably probably the most controversial in latest instances, attributable to its elevated reliance on electrical energy.

That has an approximate 50:50 cut up with the interior combustion engine, so battery administration will play a key position in racing. This implies drivers could have to use ‘unnatural’ strategies reminiscent of downshifting alongside a straight, which has prompted criticism from varied quarters and, specifically, Verstappen, who throughout pre-season testing referred to as it “anti-racing” and like “System E on steroids”.

The four-time world champion hasn’t modified his opinion both and, in truth, doubled down on it after crashing out in Q1 for Sunday’s season opener at Albert Park.

He stated: “I am not having fun with it in any respect. It additionally would not matter to me the place I qualify. Whether or not it might have been on the entrance or the place I’m now, emotionally and by way of feeling, it is utterly empty.”

Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing crash

Photograph by: Getty Pictures

That is nothing new for Verstappen as he additionally revealed that the 2026 automotive “felt actually unhealthy” on the simulator final 12 months, however maybe Melbourne is simply the worst place to start out for the brand new rules.

That’s as a result of tracks this 12 months are being characterised as both ‘energy-rich’ or ‘energy-poor’ relying on how straightforward it’s to reap battery – Albert Park falls within the latter class attributable to its quick corners and longer straights.

So, when requested about how the circuit feels within the new automotive, Verstappen responded: “You simply cannot drive naturally. Principally you must be on the throttle as little as attainable all over the place to avoid wasting the battery. Sure corners you must method otherwise in order that if you exit it can save you battery once more. For me that has little or no to do with racing.”

The Dutchman isn’t the one driver to criticise the rules this weekend both, as reigning champion Lando Norris claimed “we’ve come from the very best automobiles ever made in System 1” to “most likely the worst”.

Charles Leclerc additionally contributed saying they’re “not probably the most enjoyable automobiles to drive”, whereas his Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton reckons “it’s utterly towards what System 1 is about”.

However one driver who is comparatively upbeat in regards to the rules is title favorite George Russell, who dominated a Mercedes 1-2 in qualifying.

George Russell, Mercedes

Photograph by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Pictures by way of Getty Pictures

“When you get your head round it, it turns into like a brand new regular,” he instructed Sky Sports activities. “Even typically in qualifying final 12 months, we’ve to take care of the porpoise and that was simply one thing you bought to take care of and you bought to find out about.

“Now with slightly little bit of carry and coast, is that pure racing? No, most likely not, however you get used to it and it’s race one. I do know the FIA are going to be making some adjustments, so I’ve been one of many drivers who haven’t wished to guage all the things too prematurely.

“I feel Melbourne’s most likely going to be the worst observe for these engines.”

Further reporting by Stuart Codling

Pictures from Australian GP – Saturday

George Russell, Mercedes