'Feels Like Formula E...Not Fun': Max Verstappen Hints At F1 Exit Over ‘Anti-Racing’ Rules

Last Updated:February 13, 2026, 08:34 IST

Verstappen criticized F1’s 2026 regulations as “anti-racing,” likening them to Formula E, and warned he may leave Red Bull Racing if the sport loses its fun.

Winning is important. But when you’re a serial winner like four-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen, it’s equally important to have fun with it.

And with the new-age Formula 1 cars being rolled out for the 2026 season? Well, they’ve not captivated the Dutchman yet.

The Red Bull Racing ace has branded F1’s incoming 2026 regulations “anti-racing" and admitted he could walk away from the sport if it stops being enjoyable.

Verstappen did not hold back on his criticism, as drivers continue adapting to sweeping new technical rules that shift the sport toward a 50/50 split in power generation between the internal combustion engine and electrical systems.

Energy harvesting and management will play a far bigger role — and Verstappen isn’t a fan.

‘Feels Like Formula E on Steroids’

“It’s not always the nicest thing to say, but I also want to be realistic as a driver, the feeling is not very Formula 1-like. It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids," Verstappen said.

The Dutchman, who has built his reputation on aggressive, flat-out driving, suggested the new dynamics dilute the essence of F1.

“As a pure driver, I enjoy driving flat-out. And at the moment, you cannot drive like that. There’s a lot going on.

“A lot of what you do as a driver in terms of inputs have a massive effect on the energy side of things.

“And for me, that’s just not Formula 1, because then maybe it’s better to drive Formula E, right? Because that’s all about energy, efficiency and management. That’s what they stand for.

“Driving-wise, it’s not so fun… [The] excitement level is not so high."

Winning Isn’t Enough

It’s no secret that Max is a racing junkie who values dipping his toes in all facets of motorsport for his own pleasure.

Despite being contracted to Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen has previously hinted he may not stay in F1 long-term.

And his latest comments reinforce that uncertainty.

“A winning car for me doesn’t matter," he said. “It needs to be fun to drive as well, at this stage of my career.

“I am, of course, also exploring other things outside of Formula 1 to have fun at. I know that we’re stuck with this regulation for quite a while. So, yeah, let’s see."

For Verstappen, it’s simple: if F1 stops feeling like F1, even trophies may not be enough to keep him around. Suffering from success, very literally.

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