F1
António Félix da Costa responds to Max Verstappen's barbs: "F1 drivers will have to adapt to it"
© DPPI
With the shift to 50% electric power units, energy management has become paramount in F1A change that some drivers are finding hard to accept, like... Max Verstappen in particular, who had not hidden his displeasure. It's not very 'Formula 1'. It looks a bit more like... Formula E under steroids " he lamented in Bahrain, frustrated at not being able to drive at full speed ».
In Formula E, energy management is not a constraint imposed upon them, but rather an integral part of the race strategy. [F1 drivers] are learning a lot about energy management, driving techniques, and software that we've used in Formula E over the last ten years, explains António Félix da Costa, 2019-2020 Formula E champion. Many Formula 1 drivers work with the teams on the simulator. I myself have been contacted. »
Would Max Verstappen like the Gen4?
For the Portuguese, this electrification of F1 was inevitable. “CIt is the car manufacturers who pay. If they sell electric or hybrid cars, they can only compete with those technologies. It's a natural evolution, and F1 drivers will have to adapt. If they don't like it… they can stay home. " He adds : " I also love V10s, V12s and all the rest. But if they no longer sell, if they are no longer manufactured, if they are engines from the Stone Age… there's not much that can be done. »
With the expected transition to Gen4 next season, the driving style in Formula E should appeal to Max Verstappen, according to Jeff Dodds, the series boss, who has invited the Dutchman to give it a try. I think that when he sees Gen4, we might be able to convince him. confirms da Costa. I don't think it was an attack on Formula E. He meant that Formula E has its own way of racing and F1 has its own, but the new regulations have created a middle ground. We know what Max is like. He always wants to drive fast cars and push them to the limit all the time. »
ALSO READ > Verstappen compares the 2026 F1 cars to "Formula E on steroids"
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Yves-Henri RANDIER
25/02/2026 at 09:23 a.m.
Excellent comments from Vincent once again, nothing to add!
vincent moyet
25/02/2026 at 07:13 a.m.
Well...if F1 drivers wanted to adapt to Formula E, they would go to Formula E. They weren't asked for their opinion before being forced to use coffee grinders. Perhaps a touch of frustration from Mr. Da Costa?