While the FIA is trying its best to address and resolve the issues surrounding the modern-day F1 regulations, Max Verstappen is furious about the “snitch” in the paddock who is hindering the process by leaking confidential information.
Since the start of this season, including during preseason testing, Verstappen has been a vocal critic of the new cars, branding them as “Formula E on steroids” and saying he isn’t enjoying driving them. He reveals that he likes to go flat out, but now has to stick to managing electrical energy.
Despite the wave of challenges these new cars have brought, the Flying Dutchman has continued to showcase his never-give-up attitude. At the Australian Grand Prix, he secured a place in the points, despite a horrendous qualifying session that left him to start from the back of the grid.
An imposter in the paddock
Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, it was alleged that the FIA held a routine meeting to address drivers’ concerns about the new 2026 regulations. F1 and the FIA asked that everything discussed in the meeting be kept confidential, with no information leaking to the media or the public.
Despite the very strict warning, the very next morning, some information was leaked in the media, allegedly by one of the drivers, whose name remains under wraps. As the meeting details leaked and made their way to social media, several drivers were angry about the imposter’s unprofessional move.
Addressing the press in Melbourne, Verstappen also shared his stance on what he thinks about the “snitch” who has leaked confidential information. Calling out the unprofessional behaviour, Verstappen said, “It’s a bit weird that you know that. Drivers shouldn’t be talking about that with other people. It’s not professional from the people involved.”
Verstappen and his continued frustration with the new regs
While devoted fans anticipated a good season start for Verstappen, they were left disappointed at Turn 1 of the qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix itself. At the time, his car’s rear axle locked up suddenly, which led to his car spinning, bouncing, and being shunted abruptly into the barriers, leading to his retirement from qualifying.
He started the grand prix from 20th position, with many hoping for him to pull off the classic Verstappen move of beginning from an undesirable position to ending up on the podium anyway (think: 2024 and 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix).
Despite a bad qualifying, he was still labelled as the driver of the day and set up the fastest lap at the Australian Grand Prix, after crossing the line in 6th position. However, there was a moment during the race where he complained about the car being “super frustrating to drive” and also criticised the battery on the radio.
Addressing the media earlier, Verstappen did give his two cents on the new regulations, revealing that driving under them isn’t fun anymore. He said that it’s all about management now and that, as a “pure driver”, he prefers to go all flat out, which isn’t possible with these new cars.
He explained, “A lot of what you do as a driver, in terms of inputs, has a massive effect on the energy side of things. For me, that’s just not Formula 1.” While he isn’t very enthusiastic about these regs, he assured fans that he’ll give his best as he always has.
