Max Verstappen during the media day in Zandvoort - Red Bull Contentpool

The significant impact Max Verstappen has on the crucial 2026 F1 season

20:29, 28 Aug

Updated: 22:09, 28 Aug

byTim Kraaij

Max Verstappen is increasingly focused on the 2026 car. As a title in 2025 has become impossible, Verstappen wants to compete for the title again that season. In Zandvoort, Verstappen discussed the impact he is having on the current season.

After the summer break, everyone in Formula 1 looks forward to the last ten Grands Prix. Although there is still talk of a world title fight between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the real race is taking place behind the scenes. The race towards the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

In 2026, massive regulatory changes are planned. The engine is new, the regulations for the cars are new, the fuel is new, and even the tires are new for the 2026 season. Never before has so much changed in F1 from one season to the next. Thus, a huge challenge for the teams, who in the meantime also cannot completely ignore 2025.

Verstappen progressively focuses on 2026

Max Verstappen is also more and more engaged in 2026. ‘’Step by step. Of course you are busy with this year, but also with next year of course. You are looking at things and the team is obviously busy with it as well,’’ Verstappen responded to a question from GPblog.

While the teams officially were allowed to start on the car for 2026 from January 1, 2025, it starts later for the drivers. According to Verstappen, the impact that drivers have on the very first car is not that significant.

Red Bull Content Pool

‘’In the beginning, you are naturally dependent on what they build. Then you, as a driver, start driving it. You then feel things and you see things that possibly could be different.’’ That process is slowly getting started, because last Tuesday Max Verstappen was still in the simulator of Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes.

However, Verstappen refuses to draw conclusions based on the feeling in that simulator. ‘’Yes, on the simulator, you can make it as good as you want. In terms of how you fill it in, so you don’t make much of that at this moment.’’

Nonetheless, many drivers have expressed critical remarks about the new cars for 2026 over the past few months. They allegedly have to lift too much due to the new engine and the car itself is also less manageable.

When asked if Verstappen feels the same, the four-time world champion said: ‘’I'm keeping my cards close to my chest about that at the moment. I don't really want to be negative or positive. Let's just wait and see.’’