Max Verstappen handed remarkable 'quiet as a mouse' criticism by close ally

Nelson Piquet Jr. has suggested Max Verstappen would have been "as quiet as a mouse" over F1's contentious 2026 regulations had he been driving for Mercedes, rather than voicing his recent scathing criticism.

Verstappen has been outspoken about the championship's new rules cycle, repeatedly raising concerns over the direction of the new power units and the overall driving experience.

Among his withering criticisms, he has warned — like many drivers — that the cars have "too complicated" and less enjoyable to drive, while also questioning the heavy reliance on electrical deployment within the regulations.

The Dutchman has also pushed back against the suggestion that his stance is influenced by competitive circumstances, insisting he would hold the same view regardless of his position in the pecking order.

Verstappen has maintained he would be saying exactly the same thing even if Red Bull had the strongest car under the new rules, with the RB22 having struggled so far.

Speaking on the Pelas Pistas podcast, Piquet Jr. – brother of Verstappen's partner Kelly Piquet – offered a candid view of the four-time F1 drivers' champion's mindset and motivations.

"But that’s Max; he wants to have the best car, doesn’t he?" said the former F1 driver, who is best known for his role in the controversial crashgate saga.

"If you ask Max which year he found most interesting – the year he won the championship in the last race or the year he became champion with five races to go – he would choose the latter.

"He wants to win every race. So yes, it makes sense that he speaks like that [about the regulations]."

Quiet as a mouse

Piquet Jr. went further, suggesting Verstappen's stinging criticism would not exist if he were currently benefiting from the leading package on the grid.

His remarks also come after the intense speculation during the 2025 F1 season that saw Verstappen linked with a potential move to Mercedes, which has become the benchmark team with its dominant W17 package over the opening rounds of the new campaign.

"If Max had been in the Mercedes car, he would have been as quiet as a mouse," the Brazilian said.

"He wouldn't have said anything [about the regulations]. You can count on that."