Max Verstappen criticizes pundits for lacking 2026 regulation knowledge

Pundits lack technical knowledge

Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver and four-time champion, thinks many former drivers provide "very strange answers" when they discuss the 2026 regulations on television. After being shown recent comments from 1996 world champion Damon Hill, the Red Bull driver told De Telegraaf during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend that these pundits lack understanding because they simply do not study the new regulations at all. He explained that because these pundits do not study the new rules, they do not know exactly how the engine runs or exactly how it works. This lack of study does not apply to everyone, but it does apply to a number of them, according to Verstappen. He is not looking for allies, even though Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris have both backed his opinions. I find his directness regarding the pundits’ ignorance blunt. He said, "I just say what I think, what is wrong in my eyes and what could be improved." He also noted that sometimes people criticize him or say they do not understand what he means, but in the end, it will become clear whether something is good or bad.

Regulations and championship standings

The 2026 regulations change the power units to have a much larger reliance on electrical power, and the four-time champion has been a loud critic of these changes since this season started. He recently extended his contract with the Milton Keynes outfit until 2030, a decision he made two months ago after he had considered retirement from F1. This contract extension follows his recent back-to-back wins in Malaysia and Singapore. Verstappen currently sits fourth in the drivers’ standings with 221 points, which puts him just eight points behind Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen remains eight points behind the Ferrari driver after he secured back-to-back wins in Malaysia and Singapore. The United States Grand Prix takes place from 23 to 25 October.