Max Verstappen told he is 'factually incorrect' in F1 criticism

Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson has voiced opposition to Max Verstappen's initial assessment of the new-for-2026 F1 cars.

The challengers have been built under a fresh set of technical regulations this year, which includes a significant change to the power units.

However, they have left Max Verstappen far from impressed, who labelled the cars “Formula E on steroids” after his initial experience, pointing to his unease over the increased importance on electrical power.

Verstappen has often not been one to shy away from voicing his opinion, and has aimed various criticisms at F1 over the last couple of years.

His outspokenness over the cars has not surprised Davidson, but the 46-year-old has insisted Verstappen has got his evaluation wrong.

“He is always quite vocal,” Davidson exclusively told RacingNews365.

“He is never going to hold back on anything that he feels. His views should be obviously taken seriously, because [as a] four time world champion, why not? 

“It was an interesting view, I don't completely agree with it. It's a very different formula to Formula E. In Formula E, you start with 100% battery and end close to zero, you're basically heading one direction the entire race.

“In F1 you are charging and discharging the battery all the time. So it's a very different formula in that regard. 

“So factually, it's not correct in what he said.”

Davidson cools racing concerns

Many F1 drivers have suggested the on-track racing will appear different this year as competitors figure out how best to manage the battery harvesting and deployment.

In his criticism, Verstappen also labelled the new cars as “anti-racing” - but Davidson is wary of the danger of judging the situation too early.

“I understand where he's coming from,” Davidson said.

“Everyone's got their own opinion on it, and all I'd say, it's incredibly early days. Those comments were made after Barcelona, which is one of the toughest tracks for lift and coasting and all that technical jargon. 

“Bahrain is obviously a very different track to Barcelona, with less of a challenge in that regard, way less, if any, lift and coast.

“Whether it's anti-racing, let's wait until we get to the first race, at least, before we say stuff like that.

“Is it different to years gone by? Yes, it is - but I don't think it will cause any upset in the team at all. 

“It's just an interesting take on one person's opinion. George Russell said it, let's at least do some racing before we before we decide.

“Let's just stay open-minded. Human beings are naturally sceptical of change. 

“So let's wait and see.”

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