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Verstappen Slams 2026 F1 Car Designs as 'Formula E on Steroids'

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 6:55 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locales: AUSTRIA, BAHRAIN, UNITED KINGDOM

SINGAPORE - Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has delivered a scathing critique of the planned 2026 car designs, labeling them "Formula E on steroids." His blunt assessment comes as Formula 1 prepares for its most significant regulatory shakeup in years, aiming to fundamentally alter the racing experience and address longstanding concerns about overtaking.

The 2026 regulations represent a radical departure from current designs, prioritizing a reduction in turbulent air - or 'dirty air' - to allow cars to follow each other more closely and facilitate more frequent overtaking maneuvers. However, Verstappen's remarks suggest that these ambitious goals may be falling short, leading to a vehicle that prioritizes aerodynamic complexity over genuine racing improvement.

"To be honest, they look a bit like Formula E cars," Verstappen stated bluntly. "They've just put a lot of things on the car." While acknowledging the intent behind the changes, he expressed deep skepticism about their practicality and effectiveness, predicting a "nightmare" scenario where the increased downforce actually hinders close racing. "You've got so much downforce that you can't follow close. I think it's just too much."

Verstappen isn't alone in his apprehension. His concerns echo a growing sentiment within the paddock, with other drivers and team principals voicing similar reservations about the direction the regulations are taking. The fear is that the quest for aerodynamic efficiency has inadvertently created cars that are even more sensitive to turbulent air, negating the intended benefit and potentially making overtaking even more difficult than it is currently.

A Deep Dive into the 2026 Regulations

The 2026 overhaul encompasses a significant redesign of key aerodynamic components. Central to the changes are larger wings - both front and rear - and a considerably more complex front wing configuration. The rear wing, in particular, is undergoing a complete overhaul, with designers tasked with minimizing the wake generated by the cars. These modifications are all geared towards 'cleaning up' the air, allowing following cars to run closer without significant performance loss.

Beyond the wings, the regulations also introduce changes to the underbody of the cars, with a renewed focus on ground effect aerodynamics. This aims to generate more downforce from the airflow under the car, reducing reliance on the wings and, in theory, further minimizing turbulent wake. The increased reliance on ground effect, coupled with the larger wings, is precisely what Verstappen finds problematic.

The Risk of Unintended Consequences

The core issue, as highlighted by Verstappen, is the potential for unintended consequences. While the theoretical benefits of reduced turbulence are clear, the reality of implementing these changes within the complex world of Formula 1 is far more nuanced. The increased downforce generated by the larger wings, while potentially enhancing cornering speeds, could create a "porpoising" effect (vertical bouncing) similar to what plagued several teams in the early stages of the 2022 season. Managing this instability would require even more intricate aerodynamic solutions, adding further complexity and potentially exacerbating the turbulent wake issue.

Furthermore, the aesthetic concerns voiced by Verstappen are not insignificant. While performance is paramount, the visual appeal of Formula 1 cars is also a key component of the sport's global brand. A move towards ungainly, over-winged designs could alienate fans and diminish the perceived glamour of the series.

Time for Adjustment?

The good news is that the 2026 regulations are still subject to refinement. While the broad strokes of the changes are set, there remains a window of opportunity for the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile), Formula 1's governing body, to address the concerns raised by Verstappen and others.

Simulation testing and wind tunnel analysis will be crucial in the coming months, allowing teams and the FIA to assess the impact of the new regulations on overtaking opportunities and overall performance. If the data confirms Verstappen's fears, further adjustments may be necessary to ensure that the 2026 season delivers the exciting, close-fought racing that fans and stakeholders desire. The challenge lies in striking a delicate balance between technical innovation and the fundamental principles of competitive racing - a balance that, at present, appears to be tilting dangerously towards complexity.