Breaking:Max Verstappen abandons Red Bull to spend time with…. see details in the comments section
Max Verstappen abandons Red Bull to spend time with…. see details in the comments section
Max Verstappen has revealed that he is taking a more relaxed approach at the start of the year, choosing to spend time with his family before fully turning his attention to preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
With sweeping regulation changes coming into effect, the entire F1 grid faces one of the biggest technical challenges in recent history. The 2026 rules introduce a completely new generation of cars, featuring major revisions to both the chassis and power units. Among the most significant changes is the removal of the MGU-H, alongside a reduction in overall car size. These adjustments are expected to transform the way teams design, develop, and drive their cars.
For Red Bull, the challenge is even greater. In addition to adapting to the new regulations, the team will be placing its faith in its own powertrain project. The upcoming season will mark a crucial test for Red Bull Powertrains, with the DM01 engine representing a major step in the team’s long-term ambition to compete independently at the highest level. How competitive this package proves to be could shape Red Bull’s fortunes in the new era of Formula 1.
Despite the scale of the task ahead, Verstappen has made it clear that he does not intend to rush into intense preparation. Known for his dedication and heavy use of simulator training in previous seasons, the reigning champion has decided to take a different approach this time. Rather than spending much of January working on the simulator, Verstappen plans to step back and enjoy time away from the track before testing begins.
Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Verstappen explained that he has deliberately chosen to reduce his pre-season workload. He acknowledged the importance of preparation but suggested that there is little benefit in overloading himself too early, especially before having real on-track experience with the new machinery.
As a result, Verstappen’s first drive of the new Red Bull car will not take place in a simulator session, but during private testing in Barcelona. This closed-door test, scheduled to begin on January 26, will mark his first opportunity to feel how the radically redesigned car behaves on track.
Red Bull have also taken a cautious approach to early running. Unlike some teams, they have decided not to use a filming day ahead of the Barcelona test. Instead, their sister team, Racing Bulls, conducted limited running at Imola. That session was primarily focused on collecting early data related to the new engine, rather than performance or setup work.
With so many unknowns surrounding the 2026 regulations, preparation will undoubtedly be critical. However, Verstappen appears confident that taking time to reset mentally will not put him at a disadvantage. By delaying his full focus until testing begins, he aims to approach the new season refreshed and ready to adapt once the real work starts on track.
As Formula 1 prepares for a new era, Verstappen’s calm and measured approach highlights his confidence and experience, even in the face of one of the sport’s most demanding transitions.
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