Max Verstappen shared his first impressions of the sound of the new generation Formula 1 power plants created according to the 2026 technical regulations.

Next season, the championship will see the most comprehensive changes to engine architecture since the introduction of turbo-hybrid units in 2014. The regulations foresee the abandonment of the MGU-H system, as well as a significant increase in the role of the electrical component; The ratio between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor will be 50 to 50.

Even though there is just over a month until the cars hit the track, Verstappen was pleased to hear the new engine was running.

Verstappen said: “It sounds good. Of course you hear it in the stands, but the sound is clear and pleasant. I don’t think anyone has specifically worked on the noise but it’s really good.” he said.

For the first time in its history, the Red Bull team is building its own power plant, working in partnership with the American automobile giant Ford.

Verstappen wants to challenge for the Formula One title again in the 2026 season after his tense championship defeat to Lando Norris this month. However, the Dutch pilot plans to take a break from F1 before the new season starts.

“I’m really looking forward to it – I really need it. I also want to make sure that everything I do within the program next year will be well prepared, especially the GT3 project. That’s the most important thing for me at the moment, that everything is in the right state,” summarized the pilot.

1997 Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve believes McLaren driver Lando Norris is at a much higher level when fighting Max Verstappen than he is against Oscar Piastri.

The Canadian driver pointed out the difference in psychology and approach to fighting with his teammate, especially considering the so-called papaya rules that apply at McLaren.

In a season that ended with Norris winning the championship by two points over Verstappen, Villeneuve led a strong comeback for the Briton in the second half of the year. After the Dutch Grand Prix, Norris was 34 points behind Piastri but managed to turn the tide of the fight.

“He had a very strong performance in the second half of the season and made a great recovery.”

According to Villeneuve, Norris looked more confident in the fight with the Red Bull driver than in the duel with his own partner.

“Last year Lando struggled and did not win the championship. But this season he started to ride better as soon as he focused on fighting with Verstappen.”
It’s different when you fight with a teammate and a driver from the opposing team. “Lando becomes much stronger when he fights Max.”

“He finished the championship in great fashion. Did he deserve the championship? Yes. Just like last year, Lando was very strong in the second half of the season. This year, except for Melbourne, the first part was unremarkable. Baku was a wake-up call – he had a great ride after that.”