Why unusual Max Verstappen F1 2026 approach is proving controversial

At certain points around the Bahrain International Circuit on the first day of F1 pre-season testing, it was clearly audible how Max Verstappen was performing some very unusual and entirely deliberate downshift sequences — specifically in sections where a downshift would not normally be expected.

It later emerged that the Dutchman — and also Audi — is using these downshifts as a way of charging the battery and having more energy available on the straights.

It is certainly a technique that appears to work well, particularly for the four-time F1 drivers' champion. However, other teams — or rather other power unit manufacturers — are not adopting it, including Mercedes and Ferrari.

The reason behind the different approach taken by Mercedes and Ferrari, who tend to rely more heavily on lift-and-coast as their preferred energy recovery technique — a method that Hamilton himself has openly criticised as unnatural for a driver, especially in qualifying — is that although Red Bull's solution has proven highly effective, it also comes with significant drawbacks.

On the one hand, it is undeniable that increasing the number of gear changes per lap — multiplied over the distance of an entire race — raises gearbox wear and could also contribute to greater tyre degradation.

Based on what we have seen so far, Verstappen's technique is undoubtedly effective, but specifically at this circuit; its impact is likely to vary from track to track over the course of the season. On some tracks, the drawbacks may outweigh the potential benefits.

In practical terms, and according to several engineers, it is very likely that over the opening races of the season, we will gradually see a blend of battery recharge techniques emerge, rather than one single dominant approach.

What will ultimately prevail is a balance between the costs and benefits associated with each individual method.

There is no doubt that energy harvesting and subsequent deployment currently represent the primary focus for all teams.

This factor appears to be considerably more decisive from a performance standpoint — particularly in the early part of the season — than aerodynamic performance.

In essence, the new power units represent largely uncharted territory for all engineers. As a result, the scope for improvement in managing electrical energy can be considered significantly greater than the potential aerodynamic gains achievable over the same period.

Aerodynamics is, by comparison, a far more established and widely understood field, meaning competitive advantages in that area are likely to be more marginal.