“Something has to change, because this isn’t the racing I fell in love with,” Max Verstappen said for the first time after days of silence, speaking out only as mounting tension revealed the story behind his growing frustration.
His emotional yet controversial remarks pulled back the curtain on concerns he had kept private about the new-generation F1 cars and the direction of the sport.
The shock intensified after Lando Norris bluntly suggested he should retire, a comment that added fuel to an already volatile moment.
Now, talk of a potential exit route from F1 is no longer speculation but a storyline gathering real momentum.

Max Verstappen has been humorously offered an alternative racing future after publicly criticizing Formula 1’s new generation of cars. The four-time world champion recently described the 2026-spec machines as “not so fun” and compared them to “Formula E on steroids,” sparking debate across the paddock — and even a cheeky response from his title rival Lando Norris.

The comments came during pre-season testing in Bahrain as teams began adapting to sweeping new technical regulations. Under the updated rules, the cars rely far more heavily on electrical power, requiring drivers to focus extensively on energy recovery and deployment rather than simply driving flat out. For Verstappen, that shift has fundamentally altered the driving experience.

“As a driver, the feeling is not very Formula 1-like,” the Dutchman explained. “It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids.” He added that he personally prefers the sensation of pushing at maximum pace without constantly managing battery systems. “As a pure driver, I enjoy driving flat out. And at the moment, you cannot drive like that,” he said. According to Verstappen, too much emphasis is now placed on energy management, something he feels detracts from the traditional essence of Formula 1.

He went even further, suggesting that if efficiency-focused racing is the future, perhaps Formula E would be a more suitable platform. “Maybe it’s better to drive Formula E, right? Because that’s all about energy efficiency and management,” he remarked. “Driving-wise, it’s not so fun.”

His remarks did not go unnoticed. Lando Norris, who narrowly defeated Verstappen to clinch the 2025 World Championship by just two points in a dramatic Abu Dhabi finale, responded with a light-hearted jab. The McLaren driver quipped that Verstappen “can retire if he wants,” adding fuel to their competitive rivalry.

However, Verstappen’s frustrations also caught the attention of Formula E’s leadership. Jeff Dodds, CEO of the all-electric racing series, revealed that he reached out directly to the Red Bull star with a playful invitation. With Formula E testing taking place in Jeddah — only a short flight from Bahrain — Dodds joked that he would happily arrange transport for Verstappen to try an electric car instead.

“I did drop him a message,” Dodds admitted, describing it as a tongue-in-cheek gesture. “We’re in Jeddah, he’s in Bahrain, so we’re a very short flight away. I offered to come and get him if he would rather come here and have a go in an electric car. That invitation is open to Max always.”

Dodds made it clear that he holds immense respect for Verstappen’s talent and personality. “Generational talent as a driver,” he said. “I love his character, I love the fact he says exactly what he feels.” While he was not surprised by Verstappen’s criticism, he believes Formula E’s upcoming Gen4 car, scheduled for 2027, could actually appeal to the Dutchman’s driving style.

According to Dodds, the next-generation Formula E car will accelerate 30 percent faster than current Formula 1 machinery and feature permanent all-wheel drive. Crucially, it would allow a driver to push flat out for extended periods without the need to lift and conserve energy in the same way.

“He would be able to go and thrash that car for half an hour at top speed and not lift,” Dodds claimed. “I think he’d really enjoy that style of driving.” The only thing he joked he could not offer was the roaring engine note Verstappen might miss. “We’re always going to be more fighter jet and spacecraft than tractor,” he said, acknowledging electric racing’s distinct sound profile.

While Verstappen’s remarks were clearly rooted in frustration with the new F1 regulations, they have unexpectedly opened the door to playful speculation about his future. For now, the reigning champion remains committed to Formula 1, but Formula E’s invitation ensures that, should he ever seek a change, an electrifying alternative awaits.