Max Verstappen downplays new F1 regulations 'shock'

Max Verstappen has downplayed the severity of Formula 1’s new power-unit regulations for the upcoming season, saying they do not come as a "shock" due to the amount of preparation time on offer.

From 2026, F1’s power units will consist of a 50/50 split between electrical power and internal combustion, representing the championship’s biggest step yet towards electrification.

Given the scale of the regulations, all teams had a major focus on this year during last season’s campaign.

Williams opted against introducing any significant upgrade packages in 2025 to focus on the new regulations, while Ferrari made the call at the end of April.

Red Bull was one of the last teams to end development of its package from last year, yet Verstappen has insisted the Milton Keynes-based outfit is prepared.

Discussing the size of the new power-unit regulations, Verstappen told Bloomberg: "I mean, you know that even heading into that season, right? So it’s not like it comes as a shock.

"The team is prepared for that, and it’s also a bit of a new challenge. I enjoyed the cars the last three years, but at the same time sometimes, yeah, it doesn’t hurt to have a bit of a change.

"Yeah, it can also really upset, of course, the grid. You don’t know. So yeah, we’ll see how that goes."

In addition to the new regulations, Red Bull has become an F1 power-unit supplier for the first time in its history, producing engines for itself and sister outfit Racing Bulls.

To aid the challenge, it is receiving technical support from Ford as part of a major partnership with the American manufacturer.

Asked what it means to work with Ford, Verstappen said: "It’s a great opportunity as well. I’m just excited to get started.

"There is a massive heritage in racing as well. So, yeah, I think everyone is just now very keen to get started."