Max Verstappen predicted that a rival team will have the fastest car next season, but dismissed claims that they will reach speeds of 400 kph.
Yes, we have been treated to a dramatic title fight so far this season. But we can’t help but look ahead to Formula One’s 2026 regulations. And neither can four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
The new regulations are going to shake up the F1 grid, much to the dismay of McLaren, who just reached the sport’s pinnacle and are running away with the championship. Rumours of who will benefit the most from the new regs have swirled around the paddock for months, and Verstappen weighed in on the debate.
Max Verstappen thinks Mercedes will have the fastest car under the 2026 regulations
2026 brings a new set of engine regulations, so those who can quickly get their heads around their powertrains will have an early advantage for next season.
F1 cars currently use a mix of internal combustion units and battery power, but only 20% of the car’s power comes from its battery. Next season, that’s going to be nearly 50%, which has generated rumours that next season’s cars will reach up to 400 kph, started by Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff.
“Maybe Toto’s engine!” was Verstappen’s response when the rumours were put to him by F1Maximaal, a playful nod at Mercedes having the fastest car next year. Paddock rumours have Mercedes and Ferrari as the two quickest contenders next season.
That’s part of the reason why Verstappen was rumoured to be joining Mercedes for next season. Red Bull’s loss of pace has seen them drop into the midfield, and the Dutchman wanted to position himself to win the championship next season.
He recently confirmed he would be staying at Red Bull. That announcement came after the team fired Christian Horner.
While Verstappen thinks Mercedes will be quickest next season, he explained why he doesn’t think the cars will be as fast as was rumoured.
Max Verstappen dismisses rumours of 2026 cars reaching 400 kph
Verstappen was quick to wave away claims of the speed of next season’s cars. He said that F1 will cap the top speed in the interest of driver safety.
He explained, “I think the FIA has also explained reasonably well that they don’t allow that. On certain circuits, there will be no speed limit, but it will be looked at that you don’t go too fast.”
The FIA are introducing drastic measures next season to prevent cars reaching astronomical speeds, which would be unsafe for drivers. They will regulate the amount of time cars can remain at maximum engine deployment on specific tracks.
The FIA would introduce limits on the duration of time the power unit can operate at peak capacity. High-speed circuits, such as Melbourne and Monza, would have fewer restrictions, as drivers would be at full throttle for most of the lap under previous regulations.
However, Monaco, with its technical twists and turns in the narrow streets between barriers, could allow cars to operate at peak capacity for much less time, thereby preventing dangerous high-speed crashes.
While the cars may theoretically be able to drive at 400 kph, don’t expect that to happen next season.