Max Verstappen has strongly criticized the new 2026 Formula 1 cars, saying they feel like a “disaster” to drive and even joked that they might have to brake halfway down a straight because of how different they are.
He explained that the new rules have changed the car’s behavior so much that driving them isn’t as enjoyable or instinctive as before.
While Verstappen is known for his competitive mindset, he said the current feel of the new cars — from aerodynamics to power delivery — doesn’t match what top drivers expect, and that many of the issues will require time and work from teams to improve.
He emphasized that this is his honest impression from testing.