Verstappen accuses ex-F1 drivers of not studying 2026 rules before criticising them

Max Verstappen has accused a number of former Formula 1 drivers of failing to study the sport’s incoming 2026 regulations before publicly criticising them, singling out the tendency of ex-drivers to give “very strange answers” when questioned on television.

Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, the four-time world champion was shown recent comments from 1996 title winner Damon Hill before offering his assessment of why retired drivers can misjudge the new rules.

“Do you know what the problem is with a lot of ex-drivers?” Verstappen said. “They don’t study the new regulations at all. So they don’t know exactly how the engine runs and exactly how it works. Then they get asked about it on television, and sometimes very strange answers come out.”

He was careful to note the criticism was not universal. “It doesn’t apply to everyone, but it does apply to a number of them,” he added.

Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris have both expressed views aligned with Verstappen’s on the 2026 framework, though the Dutchman said he was not actively seeking support. “I just say what I think, what is wrong in my eyes and what could be improved,” he said. “Sometimes I get criticised for that by certain people, or they say they don’t understand what I mean. But in the end, it will become clear whether something is good or bad.”

The 2026 regulations introduce new power units with a significantly greater reliance on electrical power — a shift that prompted Verstappen himself to consider retirement from the sport earlier this year. He ultimately committed to Red Bull until 2030, signing his extension just two months ago.

The timing of that renewal has since looked well-judged. Verstappen has won back-to-back races in Malaysia and Singapore and sits fourth in the drivers’ championship with 221 points, eight behind Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton. The United States Grand Prix is scheduled for 23 to 25 October.