Max Verstappen abandons Red Bull training due to the S…read more
Max Verstappen has revealed that he is deliberately stepping back from his usual intensive pre-season preparations, choosing instead to spend more time with his family as Formula 1 braces itself for the sweeping regulation changes of 2026.
The upcoming season represents one of the biggest technical resets in modern F1 history. Teams will be faced with radically different cars, featuring redesigned chassis concepts and an overhauled power unit formula. The removal of the MGU-H, reduced car dimensions, and a greater emphasis on electrical power mean that no team can rely heavily on past experience. Every driver on the grid will need to adapt quickly once the new machinery hits the track.
For Red Bull, the challenge is even more complex. Alongside learning the new regulations, the Milton Keynes-based outfit will debut its own in-house power unit project, the DM01, developed through Red Bull Powertrains. While confidence within the team remains high, the true competitiveness of the engine will only become clear once running begins in earnest.
Given the scale of the changes, preparation might be expected to dominate the winter break. Verstappen, known for his dedication and long hours in the simulator, has often been among the hardest-working drivers during the off-season. However, the reigning world champion has decided to take a different approach this time.
Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Verstappen explained that he has consciously chosen not to spend January buried in Red Bull’s simulator, despite the importance of the season ahead. According to the Dutchman, his past experience with major regulation changes has taught him that simulator work can only go so far before real-world data becomes available.
“I could spend ten days in the simulator now, but that wouldn’t be very useful,” Verstappen said. “From previous rule changes, I know that a lot changes once you actually drive the car on track. That’s when teams start adjusting things properly.”
Instead of simulating theoretical scenarios, Verstappen believes his time is better spent waiting until he can feel the car for himself. He will first drive Red Bull’s 2026 challenger during private testing at Barcelona, which begins on January 26. The test will take place behind closed doors, marking the first real opportunity for Verstappen to assess how the new regulations translate into on-track performance.
Notably, Red Bull has chosen not to run a filming day ahead of the Barcelona test, a decision that underlines the team’s cautious and methodical approach. Their sister team, Racing Bulls, has already completed limited running at Imola, focusing primarily on gathering early data from the new engine rather than outright performance.
Verstappen also pointed out that he is not completely disconnected from the development process, even while staying away from the simulator. Other Red Bull drivers and engineers are continuing simulator work, providing feedback that helps shape the early direction of the car.
“Others are already using the simulator, so I get feedback from them,” he explained. “Once I’m in the car myself, I can give much more accurate direction.”
Beyond the technical reasoning, Verstappen’s decision is also deeply personal. The Dutch driver has spoken openly about the demands of an F1 career and the importance of maintaining balance away from the track. With another long and intense season looming, he feels that spending time at home now is the right choice.
“I’d rather stay home with my family as much as possible,” Verstappen said, acknowledging how frequently the F1 calendar takes him away once the season begins.
The approach highlights Verstappen’s confidence and maturity as he enters the next phase of his career. Rather than feeling the need to over-prepare, the Red Bull driver appears comfortable trusting his instincts, his experience, and his team’s processes. It is a mindset shaped by years at the front of the grid and multiple championship campaigns.
As Formula 1 heads into uncharted territory in 2026, Verstappen’s calm and measured attitude stands out. While rivals may log endless simulator hours in search of an early advantage, the Dutchman is content to wait for the moment that matters most: getting behind the wheel on track.
Whether this relaxed pre-season strategy pays off remains to be seen. But if Verstappen’s past success is any indication, Red Bull’s lead driver is once again backing his own judgment — and doing so with the confidence of a champion who knows exactly when to push, and when to step back.
