Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso back F1’s rule changes ahead of the Miami Grand Prix
Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso have expressed similar views on the changes coming to F1’s 2026 regulations, speaking ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix. Both drivers have been vocal critics of Formula 1’s new direction since getting a feel for their teams’ 2026 cars during pre-season testing. Alonso described the upcoming rules as ‘annoying,’ pointing to the increased focus on energy management that will come with the new engine format, which splits power equally between electric and combustion sources.
Verstappen, though more blunt in his assessment, shared the same concerns. He compared the rules to ‘Formula E on steroids,’ a comment that didn’t sit well with F1 executives. This week, F1 responded by announcing several adjustments to the technical regulations based on feedback from drivers following the first three races of the season.
Both Verstappen and Alonso were quick to weigh in. Verstappen and Alonso want more change from F1 over 2026 regulations Speaking to the media on Thursday in Miami, both Verstappen and Alonso agreed that F1’s recent technical adjustments didn’t go far enough. As reported by Sky Sports , the two world champions believe the updates fall short of what’s needed, with Verstappen calling for more significant changes ahead of the 2027 season.
He said: “It’s a tickle in the right direction, but hopefully for next year we can make bigger changes. ” The FIA has responded to complaints about excessive lift-and-coast demands by increasing the maximum power for super clipping – when the battery recharges while still at full throttle – from 250kW to 350kW. Qualifying energy recharge limits have been reduced from 8MJ to 7MJ, and a new system has been introduced to address safety issues at race starts.
This is expected to benefit younger drivers like Kimi Antonelli. Alonso acknowledged that while some tweaks were necessary after three races, this is only a first step: “I think some tweaks were needed after the first three races, and this is the first step. “My personal opinion?