Steiner pushes back on Verstappen’s “Mario Kart” criticism, says 2026 regs need tweaks, not overhaul
In a GPblog interview, Haas Guenther Steiner says Max Verstappen’s claim the 2026 rules are “fundamentally wrong” is overstated. He points to tweaks and F1’s record, urging drivers to be professional.
Guenther Steiner, former Haas team boss and now co‑owner of MotoGP outfit Tech3 KTM, tells GPblog that Max Verstappen’s “Mario Kart” jab at the 2026 rule package is exaggerated. Steiner believes the regulations aren’t fundamentally broken; they merely need targeted tweaks, particularly around energy recovery and deployment.
Why it matters:
- Driver criticism can shape public perception and pressure the FIA to act quickly.
- Energy‑management limits affect the on‑track show; too much coasting dulls excitement.
The details:
- Miami GP will lower harvestable energy, cutting the need for lifting and coasting.
- Peak “super‑clipping” power rises to 350 kW but its duration is shortened for balance.
- Extra‑boost usage will be capped in races to curb sudden speed spikes.
What's next:
- Miami tweaks will be evaluated; further changes may follow if drivers still feel the cars behave like a video game.
- F1’s track record of rapid regulation cycles means a refined 2026 package could be ready before the next summer break.
Steiner’s bottom line: fine‑tune the power‑unit rules, not discard the whole concept.
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