Verstappen: F1 cars 'numb' to driver input

Max Verstappen has voiced strong criticism of the current generation of Formula 1 cars, describing them as "numb" to driver input and limiting the impact of individual skill. The four-time world champion believes the sport's technical regulations, particularly those introduced for 2026, have created cars that are less responsive and reward a more conservative driving style. Speaking to the BBC, Verstappen explained that the current cars require drivers to adopt "unnatural" approaches, such as braking earlier or accelerating later, to optimize exit speed and top speed. He contrasted this with historical Formula 1, where drivers who pushed the limits by braking latest and committing most aggressively through corners were typically rewarded with time gains. "In the history of the sport, normally the driver that is the most committed, the latest on the brakes, earlier on throttle, committing in the high speed, they get rewarded, because you just gain that time in the corner," Verstappen said. "But now you're constantly thinking about, In this corner I might have to hold in a bit. Go later on throttle. Or brake earlier. Or lift off. And then I have more top speed. Stuff like that.