F1 tweaks controversial 2026 rules – but will they keep Max Verstappen in the sport?

Formula 1 has announced a series of regulation tweaks ahead of the next race in Miami on 3 May. They still need to be ratified by the World Motorsport Council, yet that should just be a formality. However, can they keep their star driver in the sport long-term?

New engine and chassis regulations , including a near 50/50 power unit split between internal combustion and electrical power, have received mixed reviews after the first three rounds of the 2023 season. While the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari – the two top teams – and their drivers have praised instances of thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing, other drivers and fans have lamented changes to driving styles and safety concerns. Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen even stated after the last race in Japan that he is considering retiring from the sport at the end of the season, such is his dissatisfaction with elements of the new rules.

The outspoken Dutchman has described the 2026 cars as “anti-racing” and “like Formula E on steroids. ” Reigning world champion Lando Norris has also described overtaking as “artificial. ” As a result of the five-week break between rounds three and four – due to the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia – F1 and its governing body, the FIA, announced new measures on Monday to address driver, team and fan concerns.

But what are they – and how will they impact the sport? Qualifying – ‘lift and coast’ A matter which has been unanimous across the board is drivers feeling like they can’t push to the maximum, as per usual, in qualifying. In order to recharge the battery at the end of straights, drivers were being forced to “lift and coast” – taking their feet off the accelerator before braking for the corner – at the end of straights.