Max Verstappen has said he feels "held back" by new FIA rules and regulations, which he believes make drivers like Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson "immediately competitive" regardless of the car they are driving.
The Red Bull driver, a four-time world champion, has been critical of hybrid engines that rely more on batteries than traditional petrol systems. He previously described Formula 1 in 2026 as "Formula E on steroids" and now says the sport's competitive nature is dwindling.
Verstappen: Driving has become 'unnatural'
Speaking to BBC Sport, the 28-year-old said: "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. 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. It's so unnatural. It's so not how it should be. No disrespect. And I hope no-one picks up on this. But look at Yuki. He jumps in the [Racing Bulls] car [at the Dutch Grand Prix]. Never driven the car before. Immediately competitive."
He added: "Liam jumps from the Racing Bulls to the Red Bull - immediately competitive. It's because these cars are numb to your driver inputs. Of course, yes, you still have to do a good lap. And you still have to commit. The fastest drivers will always come out on top. But it's really, really limited, like a choke hold or something. You're held back."
Driver changes and recent results
Lawson stepped in for Isack Hadjar at the Dutch GP after Hadjar sustained a wrist fracture this summer, while Tsunoda took Lawson's place with Racing Bulls. In that race, Lawson finished seventh and Tsunoda 11th.
The two retained their places for the Italian GP at Monza, with Tsunoda finishing 10th and Lawson 14th. Hadjar still recovering, both will race at this weekend's Spanish GP at the Madring.
Verstappen's 2026 season struggles
Verstappen is sixth in the Drivers' Standings, having failed to win a race this season. Kimi Antonelli leads with 267 points, having secured seven wins and 11 podiums, a 140-point gap over Verstappen.
Mercedes teammate George Russell trails Antonelli by 66 points, and with 10 races remaining, the title remains undecided.
