Max Verstappen: F1 should revert to lighter cars from around 2010

Max Verstappen has argued that Formula 1 should revert to the cars it used from the late 2000s to early 2010s for when the championship ushers in a new regulation era next season. 

The 2026 campaign will introduce widespread changes to the chassis and power unit regulations, including smaller cars, active aerodynamics and a 50/50 combustion-electrical split of the engines. 

This comes after F1 cars have become much bigger through the years resulting in more difficult overtaking and less closer racing, which is something the regulation switch aims to overcome. 

Verstappen hopes F1 takes inspiration from what it had approximately 15 years ago, when engines were naturally aspirated V8s and cars were around 180kg lighter. 

“What is the most important is lighter cars, smaller cars,” said the four-time world champion. “But you can only really do that if you change the engine regulations.

“At the moment, the engines are super efficient, but they are also quite big. That makes the car longer, you need more cooling, so the car becomes quite big.

“I think if we can get a similar type of car like they were in the 2010 era, or even before, that would be nice, because I think it will help the racing. But at the end of the day, I'm not the one deciding.”

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Mark Thompson - Getty Images

Verstappen’s Red Bull team has the added challenge of debuting its in-house power unit next season after receiving supply from Honda since 2019 and Renault, Ferrari and Cosworth before then. 

It has added doubt to how good Red Bull could potentially be in 2026, given the regulations may favour Mercedes which arguably has the strongest engine. 

But Verstappen refused to get drawn into placing expectations on Red Bull as there remains many unknowns surrounding the pecking order for next season.

“It's a big question mark, for sure, but honestly I think there are not many people that can say right now, ‘yes, we are going to be really, really good’,” he added.

“You don't have any guarantees. I know it's a big challenge what we are doing, with also bringing our own engine, but it's also quite an exciting challenge.

“It also gives us the best opportunity of being competitive instead of being dependent on another car manufacturer that is willing to give us an engine.

“The regulations are so complex that, of course, the engine is going to be super important, but you also need to make sure that you build a good car.

“I think the first few races will be very challenging for everyone to integrate everything very well, from the power unit to the car and the behaviour in general, so hopefully it can give you some interesting races.”