Jun.7 (GMM) Even Max Verstappen found himself praising Formula 1’s controversial 2026 cars in Monaco.
The Dutchman and his father Jos have both been among the strongest critics of the new regulations, which have been widely mocked for their heavy reliance on energy management.
But Monaco’s unique layout largely removed those issues, allowing drivers to attack more naturally.
“This is how Formula 1 should be,” Jos Verstappen told De Limburger after qualifying.
“Not deliberately taking corners slower and all that nonsense – just full throttle.”
His four-time world champion son, who qualified P2 behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli, agreed that Monaco offered a glimpse of what the cars can be at their best.
“I think the chassis regulation is not that bad at all,” Verstappen said.
“In general, the cars being a little bit more narrow and stuff, I think it’s alright.”
He also welcomed improvements to visibility.
“I quite like now the vision on the front axle is a bit better around apexes again,” said the Red Bull driver.
Most importantly, Monaco allowed drivers to use the car more naturally.
“If you can go flat out and you can just select the gears that you want to use in the corners, it’s always going to be better,” Verstappen said.
“I finally felt just myself again in the car. That’s what then makes it more and more natural to drive for sure.”
However, not everyone was impressed.
Lewis Hamilton, P3 for Ferrari, echoed Fernando Alonso’s renewed criticism of the current generation.
“Probably one of my least favourites of all the generations I’ve driven around here,” said the seven-time world champion.
Hamilton pointed to reduced downforce, higher tyre pressures and lower mechanical grip compared to previous eras. “I remember when I was here in 2007, 2008, there was so much more grip,” he said.
“It was even more fun back then.”
He believes Formula 1 reached a high point only a few years ago.
“Maybe 2020 was probably the best period for us, grip-wise,” Hamilton added.
Alonso, meanwhile – right at the back – doubled down on his earlier criticism at Monaco. “There’s nothing to be done,” the Aston Martin veteran said.
“It’s what we have until 2030.”
The Spaniard suggested the sport’s ongoing discussions about future engine and chassis changes prove dissatisfaction with the current package is widespread.
“We’re talking about changing the engine for next year and changing the regulations for 2030,” Alonso said. “That tells you that nobody is happy with the current cars.”
“Whether the critical drivers are more vocal or not is their own decision. But in any case, it’s the same car for everyone until 2030.”
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