Max Verstappen Breaks Silence on New Red Bull F1 Simulator Experience – But What’s He Really Thinking?
In a thrilling twist that has the F1 world buzzing, Max Verstappen has opened up about his recent experience testing Red Bull’s highly anticipated 2026 car in the simulator. However, don’t expect him to dive into the heated debate surrounding the upcoming regulation changes. The four-time world champion remains focused, albeit cautiously, as he navigates a tumultuous season.
With the Dutch ace trailing a staggering 97 points behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, and only ten races left on the calendar, Verstappen’s chances of clinching a fifth consecutive title appear bleak. As the championship slips from his grasp, the focus inevitably shifts to the RB22, the car designed for next season, with the current RB21 set for limited development as the season winds down.
When pressed about his thoughts on the 2026 regulations, Verstappen offered a glimpse into the meticulous process underway at Red Bull. “Step by step,” he commented, emphasizing the importance of balancing the immediate demands of the current season with the forward-thinking strategies needed for next year. “Of course, you are working on this year, but you are also already looking at things for next year,” he elaborated during an interview with Dutch media, including RacingNews365.
Yet, despite his proactive approach, Verstappen is under no illusions about the simulator’s current value. “I was in the simulator on Tuesday,” he revealed, before adding, “But on the simulator, there are all these things… You can make it as good as you want in terms of how you fill it out. You don’t have much use for that at the moment.” His candid words underscore a crucial point: while simulators are essential tools, their effectiveness is limited at this stage of development.
Interestingly, the 2026 regulations have sparked widespread criticism from various drivers regarding their simulator experiences, but Verstappen is choosing to steer clear of that contentious conversation. “I prefer to keep a low profile,” he stated, opting for a measured approach. “There is no point in being negative or positive anyway, let’s just wait and see.”
As the countdown to the 2026 season heats up, all eyes are on Verstappen and Red Bull. With the stakes higher than ever, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this saga unfolds. Will Verstappen’s cautious optimism translate into a competitive edge for the new regulations, or will he continue to grapple with the challenges of the current season? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the world of Formula 1 is watching closely, and Verstappen’s next moves could redefine the future of the sport.
