Max Verstappen admits not realistic to reduce weight of 2026 cars in current state

Max Verstappen comes out as one of the driver to talk about the 2026 F1 regulations as the fine details about it were revealed last week. Verstappen expressed his concerns over the car that the new regulations might result in cars being too slow.

Max Verstappen in a recent interview was asked the one thing he would like to see changed before the rules are finalized. The Dutchman the weight of the car’s in general must be altered. He expressed worries about the car being 70 kgs heavier than what it was in 2014. He thought this extra weight will make the car’s slower and less exciting to watch. Verstappen thought that lighter cars are more agile and exciting to drive and watch. He wants the FIA to focus on reducing the weight to improve performance and make the races more thrilling for fans.

The weight. In general the weight.

However, Verstappen mentioned that reducing the car’s weight isn’t realistic with the current design. He explained that the weight comes from the engine, safety features, and the overall size of the cars. These components are essential for performance and safety, making it difficult to significantly reduce the weight. Although Verstappen wants lighter cars for better performance, he recognized that the way cars are built for 2026 will make it challenging. Toto Wolff recently admitted that the 2026 cars are too slow in their current state.

But that’s not realistic with how the cars are built at the moment. Engine wise, safety-wise and the size in general

Max Verstappen expressed dissatisfaction with the 2026 regulations

Max Verstappen expressed his mixed feelings about the new car regulations. He admitted that right now, it’s easy to criticize the changes, but once he gets to drive the new cars, he might find them enjoyable and fun to drive. The Dutchman emphasized that while it’s easy to judge the car now, the actual driving experience could change the perspective.

And I said it before, I’m in the middle at the moment where we can give a lot of criticism at the moment but maybe when you drive it you’re like it’s actually not too bad, it’s quite fun.

Further, Verstappen expressed his dissatisfaction about the new regulations, that they are not like he would’ve designed. He felt that the rules, designed and currently written, don’t align with his ideas for improving the sport. Although Max Verstappen is open to the possibility that the new cars might be fun to drive. But the Dutchman still believed the regulations could be better.

But naturally when I look at the regulations it’s not how I would have written them

Certainly, After learning the 2026 rules, Max Verstappen thought they could have been much better. His main concern was about the car, as he believed the increased weight for 2026 will make the cars slower. This decrease in speed, he fears, will reduce the thrill of watching races and could cause fans to lose interest in the sport.

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