Max Verstappen believes Formula 1 is finally catching up with concerns he has voiced for years about the 2026 power unit regulations, insisting more drivers are now experiencing the problems he predicted.
The Red Bull driver has been one of the most outspoken critics of the new engine rules, which place greater emphasis on electrical energy management.
Recent races at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps have intensified the debate, with drivers struggling on power-sensitive circuits.
Verstappen says engine concerns are now widespread
Speaking ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring, Verstappen said he was pleased more people had started recognising the shortcomings of the current regulations.
"I have spoken my mind about these regulations for a long time," Verstappen said.
"In the beginning, most people were saying, 'He's complaining, he should shut up.'
"But over the last few races, more and more people are saying the same thing that I could already see coming years ago."
The four-time world champion stressed his criticism has never been about results on track.
"It's not about me not winning anymore. It's because I care about the product.
"You arrive at some tracks and you're driving with not a lot of horsepower for Formula 1 standards. It's a little bit painful, which I could see coming already for years."
Verstappen added that he has grown tired of repeating the same arguments whenever the topic arises.
'F1 drivers can't make the difference'
The Dutchman believes the way energy deployment is managed under the new regulations has reduced the influence drivers can have through skill alone.
"It's just like your throttle input. By being faster through a corner, sometimes you lose speed on the straight afterwards, which is not how it should be," he explained.
"In every racing series, if you gain time in the corner, that's free lap time. Here, you get penalised on the next straight.
"You have to think about using a different gear, your braking technique or the way you get back on the throttle. It's basically neutralising a lot of lap time."
According to Verstappen, the complex energy deployment system has also contributed to tighter racing for reasons that are not entirely positive.
"Sometimes you cannot make a difference. You are not allowed to make a difference because it will just penalise you on the next straight," he added.
"Sometimes unexpected things arise because it's so unnatural that you can't apply logic to it. It's just too complicated."
