Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have found themselves on opposite sides of the debate over Formula 1’s 2026 regulations.
Interestingly, Hamilton was initially critical as well. He compared the new cars to GP2 during pre-season testing and wasn’t convinced they’d deliver good racing, echoing concerns shared by many drivers at the time.
But once he got more familiar with the SF-26, a car he played a key role in developing, his perspective shifted. Ferrari’s strong start to the season has given him reason to feel positive, and there’s a noticeable confidence about him in the paddock.
He picked up his first podium for Ferrari in China, and there’s growing support for him heading into Japan. In contrast, Verstappen and Red Bull are still trying to get comfortable with the new rules.
The Dutchman hasn’t held back his frustration with the changes. After calling them a ‘joke’ in China and saying it didn’t feel like real racing, Hamilton pushed back on those comments.
The Brit has spoken positively about how battery management is leading to more overtaking opportunities under the new rules. But so far, not many others seem to agree.
Max Verstappen feels the 2026 F1 overtake numbers back his view on new rules
Hamilton, speaking to the media at the Japanese Grand Prix, called the new rules ‘real racing’ when asked about the rise in overtakes seen under the 2026 regulations.
“It happens in karting all the time, back and forth, back and forth. No one ever calls it yo-yo racing. It’s real racing. So whoever’s coming out with that is… yeah,” he said.
The term ‘yo-yo’ racing is exactly how Verstappen described it after the Chinese Grand Prix. Speaking to The New York Times, he didn’t hold back: “If someone likes this, then you really don’t know what racing is about. It’s not fun at all.
“It’s playing Mario Kart. This is not racing. You are boosting past, then you run out of battery on the next straight, they boost past you again. For me, it’s just a joke.”
The rise in overtaking numbers has brought more action to races but managing energy has taken away from some of that excitement. Many moves aren’t based solely on skill or car performance but rather on who manages their battery best at any given moment.
There’s a growing sense among drivers that this type of overtaking doesn’t reflect true competition – and Verstappen has become one of its most vocal critics.
Not everyone agrees with Max Verstappen’s criticism of 2026 regulations
Verstappen hasn’t held back in voicing his frustration, and it doesn’t seem like he’ll be changing his tune any time soon. But not everyone is on his side.
Alex Wurz on the Lift and Roast podcast has told Verstappen to “get used to it”, suggesting that the FIA won’t be making any big changes. While plenty of drivers and teams have shared their concerns, significant updates aren’t expected until 2027.
Johnny Herbert echoed those sentiments, saying Verstappen should just “shut up and drive”. Red Bull will keep working on the RB22 as the season progresses, but Verstappen has already made it clear that he doesn’t feel comfortable behind the wheel yet.
Gian Carlo Minardi compared Verstappen’s current struggles to what Hamilton went through with Ferrari in 2025. Back then, Hamilton had a hard time adapting to his new car – now Verstappen seems to be facing a similar situation at Red Bull this year.
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