Many storylines have emerged in the F1 ecosystem over recent weeks – though perhaps the most notable is that Max Verstappen is seriously considering his future in the sport.
These were the Dutchman’s quotes after the Japanese GP:
“I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock. Privately, I’m very happy, [but] you also wait for 24 races [for the season to end].
“This time it’s 22, but normally 24. And then you just think about – is it worth it?
“Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family, seeing my friends more? When you’re not enjoying your sport.”
Of course, this is not the first time question marks have emerged about Verstappen’s future. Even whilst he dominated the grid from 2022-2024, the 28-year-old spoke candidly about life beyond Formula 1.
At the time, he would often talk about a life beyond the sport. However, given the current regulations, what were previously hypothetical questions are now genuine uncertainties about his motivation in F1.
Verstappen unhappy with 2026 cars
Concerns about the 2026 regulations were expressed well before the first round in Australia. One of the most vocal critics was Verstappen, who made no secret of his opposition to these new cars.
The Dutchman’s most fundamental complaint was with the new engines, which are powered by a 50/50 split between the combustion engine and electrical deployment from the battery.
This scepticism was not completely unwarranted, as qualifying in Melbourne demonstrated very quickly. Limited electrical deployment saw the unusual sight of cars slowing down in sections where they would typically be at full power.
Of course, it would be an oversimplification to say these regulations are unanimously unpopular.
Some voices, whether motivated by their personal position or not, have been more upbeat. Mercedes’ George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton are among the more positive drivers about these 2026 cars.
However, their positions – understandably – could be influenced by their cars being more competitive.
Elsewhere on the grid, several drivers share Max Verstappen’s frustration. Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso and Oliver Bearman are some of the most outspoken with regards to this generation of cars.
Speaking of Bearman, the British driver’s crash in Japan sparked renewed debate into the viability of these 2026 regulations. In many ways, the last few days have seen Verstappen’s previous concerns vindicated – whilst also triggering fresh doubts about his long-term future on the grid.
Putting concerns about qualifying and potentially artificial overtaking aside, safety fears have also been bubbling under the surface.
Specifically, the danger of cars potentially losing speed in a straight line whilst harvesting energy (and catching out someone close behind) have been flagged since the season started.
This scenario essentially played out when Oliver Bearman crashed in the Japanese GP. As Alpine’s Franco Colapinto slowed down and harvested energy, Bearman was caught by surprise and was forced into evasive action.
Even with Colapinto moving slightly to the left – and therefore reducing Bearman’s space – the FIA deemed it was a racing incident.
The stewards almost instantly announced there would be no further investigation – which implicitly put all blame for the collision on the speed differences caused by the harvesting of these 2026 engines. (cont. on next page)