Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi has offered a detailed perspective on Max Verstappen’s performance within the 2026 Formula 1 season, noting the impact of the sport’s revised technical regulations. Alesi suggests that the new rules, particularly concerning battery management and the 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power, are hindering the sport’s fastest drivers.
Alesi stated that Verstappen is ‘struggling a lot’ due to the current car systems, which necessitate careful throttle operation and limit electric power. He observed that top drivers like Verstappen and Charles Leclerc are often quicker through corners but lose time by the end of a lap due to energy harvesting requirements.
The Frenchman interprets Verstappen’s public remarks about Red Bull’s performance as a strategic effort to motivate the team rather than direct criticism. Alesi appreciates Verstappen’s candidness, believing it pushes Red Bull-Ford towards necessary improvements.
Verstappen himself has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the 2026 engine formula, likening the energy management to ‘Mario Kart’ with ‘mushrooms’ boosts. He has argued that the regulations marginalize individual driver skill, making it easier to drive at the limit.
During the Dutch Grand Prix weekend in August, Verstappen qualified seventh, citing ongoing balance problems with the RB22. He emphasized that the driver’s impact on qualifying performance is reduced under the current rules.
Alesi also expressed concerns regarding Charles Leclerc’s current form with the Ferrari SF-26. He believes Leclerc is ‘struggling more than ever’ to find the right feel for the car this season.
Leclerc currently trails his teammate Lewis Hamilton by 31 points in the Drivers’ Championship. Despite this, Alesi had previously advised Leclerc against leaving Ferrari, viewing him as a ‘pure baby from Ferrari’ and suggesting that the team’s project requires time.
Ferrari has demonstrated strong starts and secured two Grand Prix victories during the 2026 season. However, the team faces a 72-point deficit to Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship by mid-August.
Lewis Hamilton has praised Ferrari’s development under the 2026 regulations but stressed the need for improved operational execution during race weekends.
In a separate development, the FIA recently declared Red Bull-Ford Powertrains as having the strongest internal combustion engine (ICE) after two review periods of the 2026 Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system.
This finding was met with some controversy, as Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies and others in the paddock believed Mercedes possessed the strongest overall power unit. The ADUO system specifically evaluates the ICE, not the complete power unit, which includes electrical components.
Despite the FIA’s assessment of their ICE, Red Bull received no upgrade allowances under the ADUO system because their engine was deemed the benchmark. Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi, and Honda were granted allowances for being behind.
