Verstappen fed up with repeating 2026 car criticism: 'Driving it is already hard enough'

Max Verstappen has grown weary of repeatedly criticizing the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 cars, even though he is passionate about the sport's welfare. After securing a podium finish at the Belgian Grand Prix, the Dutch driver faced questions about the 2026 cars during a post-race press conference. He joked, "Honestly, I don't want to sit here and complain again because someone might shoot me outside the door."

In an interview with GPblog, the former four-time world champion clarified his earlier remarks. He stated that he has already expressed his opinions on these regulations on numerous occasions and that many people previously dismissed him as simply complaining. However, Verstappen acknowledged that the last few races have convinced more individuals of the issues he was raising.

He emphasized that his criticisms are not motivated by a desire to hinder his own chances of winning, but rather by his genuine concern for the quality of the product. Verstappen reiterated that he has mentioned these concerns multiple times, and at some point, continued repetition becomes tiresome.

Moreover, Verstappen highlighted the inherent difficulty of driving the current cars, even without the added pressure of addressing the criticism. He explained that the cars feel challenging to contend with, particularly when considering the limited horsepower available at certain tracks. This lack of performance, he noted, can make races less exciting and, in some instances, even "a little bit painful."

In summary, Max Verstappen has reached a point where he is exhausted by the incessant repetition of his concerns about the 2026 Formula 1 cars. Although he remains passionate about the sport, the driver finds it increasingly frustrating to have to repeat his criticisms, as driving the present cars is already a challenging task.