Max Verstappen has come to the same conclusion as Charles Leclerc regarding one of the most debated aspects of modern Formula 1: qualifying has become increasingly counterintuitive for drivers.
In recent weeks, much has been said about a frustrated Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver has openly expressed concerns about the upcoming 2026 regulations, describing a scenario that does not fully convince him. There has even been speculation about his long-term future in Formula 1, with suggestions that the reigning world champion could consider stepping away from the sport if he were to lose the motivation to continue competing at the highest level.
His dissatisfaction is not limited to future rule changes. Verstappen has also been unhappy with the level of competitiveness he has been forced to deal with during the opening phase of the season, where performance limitations and strategic constraints have played a significant role in shaping results on track.
Verstappen criticizes the nature of qualifying
However, in an interview with ‘GpBlog.com’, a slightly different side of Verstappen emerges. While he appears more willing to accept the variables and unpredictability that define race conditions on Sunday, he is far more critical of what drivers are required to do during Saturday’s qualifying sessions.
Speaking to ‘GpBlog.com’, Verstappen explained: “If we look at what happens in qualifying, nobody wants to do this lifting. And there are many other rules involved. It’s not just about lifting, but also other regulations that you cannot manage by making a choice. You can’t decide whether to lift or not to lift.”
The Red Bull driver highlighted how the current technical and regulatory framework removes a degree of control from the drivers, forcing them into very specific driving patterns that feel unnatural in the context of pushing for maximum performance over a single lap.
“There is so much confusion,” the Dutchman added. “It shouldn’t be like that. Everything is super sensitive. In qualifying, to go faster, you basically have to go slower.”
With this statement, Verstappen effectively echoed the same conclusion previously reached by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. According to both drivers, qualifying in modern Formula 1 has evolved into a scenario where instinctive driving is no longer enough, and where maximizing lap time often requires counterintuitive techniques that go against a driver’s natural feel behind the wheel.
This growing sentiment among top drivers raises further questions about the direction Formula 1 is taking, especially as the sport prepares for a major regulatory overhaul in 2026. If qualifying continues to move away from pure performance and driver instinct, the debate surrounding its format and underlying rules is only likely to intensify.
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