Max Verstappen Joins Toto Wolff as Candid Admission Repeatedly Highlights Major Problem for F1 in 2026

2026 is going to be crucial for F1. With a new engine regulation to come into force, all teams are surely in preparation. However, there is some skepticism in the air, with team bosses and drivers raising their concerns over one big question: Will the races become slower, or, is it just a vague assumption? Meanwhile, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff shared his worries, and following this trail, Max Verstappen expressed similar sentiments. So, if there was just an individual complaint, it would’ve been mere criticism, but that’s not the case here.

Most teams have taken their turns to evaluate and pass judgment on the regulations. Toto Wolff told ORF: “If the current regulations were implemented, the speed would definitely be too low” while further adding, “What we have at the moment is simply much too slow. [We have] some lap times that are up to ten seconds slower.” At the end of Mercedes‘ evaluation, Wolff found that the new cars with hybrid engines would probably be slow, matching just what Max Verstappen had to say.

Max Verstappen aligns his concerns with Toto Wolff’s on the new regulation

Last month the FIA released the guidelines which will be the cornerstones in building the next-generation F1 machines. With a hybrid concept of using only 50% batter power and 50% classic combustion engines, the FIA aimed to set a monumental feat. But to their utter surprise, the opposite happened. Williams’ team principal was among the first few to raise the common concern. Followed by the rest of the grid. Recently Toto Wolff, also joined the choir to sing the same song of ‘slower races’.

Max Verstappen had previously issued complaints. But now, it is believed (as claimed by Verstappen) he has taken a neutral stance. However, there are elements he wants to change. “I haven’t driven it more, but there are still so many things that need to be fine-tuned anyway to get a good picture and everything,” Verstappen addressed. Furthermore, he made another point: “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.” Verstappen seemed to have made a fair point. What if all this is just skepticism? The actual scenario could indeed be different!

“When I look at the regulations it’s not how I would have written them,” Max confessed. He understands that the regulations address the changing world of motorsport, and was a tactic to get more manufacturers into the sport. Lewis Hamilton had argued that the 30 kg weight reduction down to 768kg wouldn’t be enough. The Dutchman reiterated his concerns about the 2026 rules, noting that cars will still be over 70kg heavier than in 2014.

When asked to pinpoint one thing he would like to see changed by the FIA, Verstappen replied: “The weight. In general the weight.” Both the Red Bull No.1 and Toto Wolff are worried about the quality of the sport. And there are more names on the list.

Who else has shared concerns about the upcoming regulations?

Team bosses are concerned that the next-generation cars will have 30% less downforce and 55% less drag than current ones. Williams team principal James Vowles is one of them. He warned that the suggested guidelines could make the gap between F1 and F2 as small as a few seconds, revealing that 2025 simulator tests show the new cars may be too close in performance to modern F2 cars. “We need to make sure that we’re maintaining the performance and speed we have,” the Brit added.

Meanwhile, both McLaren drivers caution that the excitement from this season will soon end once the ‘reset’ arrives. Esteban Ocon argues that restrictive upcoming regulations will prevent technical innovation and encourage a tight grid. Moreover, Verstappen agrees with those who think the gap between top and bottom teams will grow. Suggesting stable regulations should be considered.

With the 2026 new regulations set to take over F1, suspense is building up. There are more doubts than positive points for now. But soon, the trajectory could change. Max Verstappen shares a common ground with Toto Wolff and others who’ve shown their worries. At the same time, the new regulation could revolutionize Formula 1 – setting off a new era of motorsport.

What are your opinions on this? Share your thoughts in the comments.