Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff slams Max Verstappen criticism of 2026 rules

Max Verstappen

Toto Wolff slams Max Verstappen criticism of 2026 rules

Max Verstappen could be on his way out of the door at Red Bull

Originally written by Sam Cook. This version is a translation.

Saturday 4 April 2026 23:00

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has criticised Max Verstappen's view on the new 2026 regulations.

Verstappen has constantly reiterated that the new cars are not fun to drive, while Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso downplayed the skill level that you need to have to drive the new cars.

Verstappen even threatened after the Japanese Grand Prix to quit F1, unless changes are made to the rules by the FIA and Formula One Management.

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The new rules were originally brought in to try and encourage closer racing and more overtaking opportunities, and we have seen more overtakes at all three races so far compared to the 2025 versions.

In more positive news, however, Lewis Hamilton has described 2026 as the 'best racing' that he's ever experienced in F1, while Mercedes' George Russell has also been complimentary about the new rules.

"Formula 1 is changing and becoming pure racing," Wolff told Sky Germany live on air at the Japanese Grand Prix. "Seeing one driver recharge his energy and another use it is very exciting. We’re talking about a science of racing that is evolving and is in the hands of the drivers.

"But perhaps Max and the others preferred last year’s rules, when we hardly saw any overtaking here at Suzuka."

Can anyone catch Mercedes?

It's perhaps not surprising that Wolff and Russell are a fan of the 2026 rules, given how dominant Mercedes are at the start of this year.

The team hold a comfortable 45-point lead at the top of the constructors' championship, and they have won all three of the grands prix so far this year.

Russell and Kimi Antonelli look to be in a two-horse race for the drivers' championship too, unless something drastic happens.

Verstappen's grumpy mood, on the other hand, could be partly down to the fact that Red Bull have seemingly only given him a car capable of being in a midfield battle, with the four-time world champion's best grand prix result so far being sixth.

Time will tell whether Red Bull can improve Verstappen's mood, and whether they or anybody else can catch Mercedes as the season progresses.

F1 Red Bull Max Verstappen Mercedes Toto Wolff