The second day of F1’s 2026 Bahrain pre-season testing has revealed a season defined by battery management, and Max Verstappen is far from impressed. While the timing screens show the first laps of the new era, the paddock is focused on a blistering verdict.
Max Verstappen of Red Bull delivered a methodical assessment of the new hybrid-heavy formula during the 2026 Bahrain testing. He signalled a major shift in how drivers must now interact with their machines.
Management over flat-out racing says Max Verstappen following 2026 F1 Bahrain testing
Verstappen’s primary grievance is the shift from pure speed to tactical conservation. The 2026 rules demand a 50/50 power split between the engine and the battery. This has introduced a level of management that Verstappen finds contrary to the spirit of the sport.
The Red Bull driver noted the cockpit sensation is far from the high-octane history of the sport. He compared it to Formula E on steroids.
“I would say the right word is management,” Verstappen explained in a print media session. “I also know how much work has been going on in the background from the engine side for the guys. So 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.”
This shift means the driver’s focus has moved away from finding the absolute limit of grip. Every input is now a calculation of its impact on the battery. The Dutch driver expressed frustration with this compromise.
“The rules are the same for everyone, so you have to deal with that. I’m all for equal chances; I don’t mind that. But as a pure driver, I enjoy driving flat out. At the moment, you cannot drive like that.”
The technical disconnect: Energy vs input
The 2026 car is hyper-sensitive to energy efficiency. Verstappen highlighted that physical inputs now have disproportionate consequences for electrical deployment. For a driver built on relentless aggression, this feels like a departure from his craft.
“A lot of what you do as a driver in terms of inputs have a massive effect on the energy side of things,” Verstappen noted. “For me, that’s just not Formula 1. Because then I would, maybe it’s better to drive Formula E, right? Because that’s all about energy efficiency and management. That’s what they stand for. So yeah, driving is not so fun.”
Despite this, Verstappen acknowledged the effort of Red Bull Powertrains in his 2026 Bahrain F1 testing media session. While his personal excitement is low, he remains committed to the team’s goals.
“I also know what is at stake with the team, our own engine. Seeing the excitement of the people, of course, when I sit in the car, I will always give it my very best. They know that. But yeah, excitement level’s not so high to drive.”
A career at the crossroads?
Winning may no longer be enough to keep Verstappen satisfied under these regulations. At this stage of his career, the tactile pleasure of driving is a requirement. With these rules set for several years, the four-time World Champion hinted at interest in other disciplines.
“Winning car for me, that doesn’t matter,” Verstappen asserted. “It needs to be fun to drive as well, I think, at this stage of my career. I am, of course, also exploring other things outside Formula 1 to have fun at. Yeah, I mean, I know that we’re stuck with this regulation for quite a while. So yeah, let’s see.”
While he liked the aesthetics, he remained critical of the “political” rule-making procress.
“I mean, I like the livery. The livery is great. The car looks great. Honestly, the proportion of the car looks good, I think. That’s not the problem. It’s just everything else that is a bit, for me, anti-racing. Probably people will not be happy with me saying this right now, but I am outspoken and why am I not allowed to say what I think of my race car? I can’t help that. I mean, I didn’t write the regulation. If it was, I think, up to non-political aspects of making a regulation, I think anyway the car would have probably, our engine, whatever, would have looked very different.”
Prospective outlook
Red Bull will now focus on refining the drivability of the RB22. They aim to mitigate the “Formula E” sensations Verstappen described. However, the fundamental architecture of 2026 means energy management is here to stay.
The sport faces a reality where its benchmark driver is questioning the soul of the new rules. Whether a title battle can compensate for a lack of “fun” remains to be seen. Verstappen must now navigate a long list of technical fixes during and after the 2026 F1 Bahrain testing. He knows the car looks like a racer but demands the mindset of an auditor.
