Max Verstappen Drops a Bombshell: HALF of F1 Teams Could Face Disqualification with New Rules!
In a shocking revelation, four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen claims that if the rules governing post-race inspections were revamped, a staggering half of the teams currently competing in the championship would be disqualified! This jaw-dropping assertion comes in light of the FIA’s ongoing challenges in ensuring that every car adheres to stringent regulations during the race weekend.
During this season, the FIA has conducted post-race checks on a limited number of selected vehicles, citing a lack of time and personnel as major hurdles in inspecting every single car. As anticipation builds for the new regulations set to roll out in 2026, Verstappen’s comments have ignited a firestorm of debate about the integrity of the sport. Speaking to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Red Bull racing prodigy said, “You’re always trying to find the limit; we all do it. Sometimes everything runs smoothly because you’re not always inspected. In my opinion, if the teams were inspected for every race, half of them would definitely be found to be in breach of regulations.”
Verstappen’s comments aren’t just casual musings; they shine a spotlight on the precarious nature of compliance within the high-stakes world of F1 racing. While he expressed criticism about the element of luck that plays into whether teams pass or fail inspections, he also recognized the logistical nightmare the FIA faces. “Besides, it’s not possible to inspect every car; it would take a lot of people,” he added, acknowledging the complexities involved.
The recent history of disqualifications underscores Verstappen’s concerns. In 2025, high-profile drivers including Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly faced the axe after their vehicles failed post-race checks. The situation escalated dramatically during this year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, where McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were both disqualified after their cars were found to have skids measuring below the minimum threshold. This incident not only rocked the McLaren team but also prompted the FIA to take extra precautions, inspecting all eight other cars in the top 10, including Verstappen’s, to ensure fairness across the board.
While Verstappen emerged unscathed from these rigorous checks, the looming possibility of mandatory inspections could spell trouble for the Dutchman in the future. With the FIA striving to eliminate any semblance of favoritism or luck in the scrutiny process, teams could face a new reality where disqualifications become more common.
As the 2026 regulations draw closer, Verstappen’s claims raise critical questions about the integrity and fairness of F1 racing. Will the sport adapt to ensure compliance, or will it continue to rely on luck to determine who stays in the race? One thing is for sure: the tension is mounting, and the stakes have never been higher. The world of Formula 1 is watching closely, and the implications of these changes could shake the very foundations of the sport!
