Would Max Verstappen complain about the new Formula 1 rules if he were winning in a Mercedes?
F1 Drivers NewsSunday, 22 March 2026 at 08:51
Jock Clear believes that Max Verstappen would complain about the new Formula 1 rules even if he were driving a dominant car such as the Mercedes campaigned by George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, who have each won a race apiece with ease and look set to dominate this season.
Formula 1’s 2026 season has exposed Red Bull and Racing Bulls to the harsh reality of the new regulations, with both teams struggling for consistency despite flashes of pace. Max Verstappen’s visible frustration has become a talking point, but former Ferrari, Mercedes and Williams engineer Clear believes the Dutchman remains central to Red Bull’s recovery.
Clear dismissed the idea that Verstappen’s criticism of the new engine formula is purely driven by his poor results: “People think Max is making his comments because he’s in P8 or P9. I've got a feeling that Max would probably say the same if he were winning.”
Red Bull’s start to the season has been turbulent. Reliability issues, inconsistent energy deployment and balance problems have left Verstappen fighting in the midfield rather than at the front, while Racing Bulls have shown glimpses of competitiveness but lack consistency across weekends.
Clear insisted Verstappen’s outspoken nature is not a concern internally: “The TV will choose to broadcast some of the trashing that Max does because it goes with the narrative. His team won’t worry about it. When he gets back to the office Max is going to be doing a very good job helping them.”
Verstappen key to Red Bull recovery
Despite the early struggles, Clear remains confident in Red Bull’s structure and leadership. The team, now operating with its Red Bull Ford power unit, is navigating a steep learning curve under the new hybrid regulations, but retains the foundation to recover.
“I don't think there are many cracks in that team even though they're having a struggle at the moment,” Clear explained. “I think that's a very strong team and they've proven themselves before and Max is absolutely the guy you want helping you develop.”
Verstappen’s ability to lead development remains central to Red Bull’s hopes. The Dutchman has been vocal about the RB21’s weaknesses, particularly balance and tyre behaviour, but Clear views that feedback as an asset rather than a liability.
“Max is one of the most honest drivers. He would say the same if he was at the front,” Clear said. “We have to be fair; some people are going to whinge, some aren’t.”
The early races have highlighted just how far Red Bull must close the gap. Verstappen has often been fighting cars up to a second quicker, a margin that would normally be insurmountable under previous regulations.
Clear noted: “Max is driving a car that's one second slower than the Mercedes and you’d normally wonder how on earth is he ever going to compete. But that is the job of a racing driver to help Red Bull develop back to the front.”
Challenge will motivate Verstappen and Red Bull
Clear believes the reset created by the 2026 regulations is ultimately positive for the sport, even if it has temporarily disrupted Red Bull’s dominance. The spread of performance has allowed other teams and drivers to shine, including strong showings from rookies and midfield outfits.
“There are not many people who would say that these regulations have come up short,” Clear said. “The racing has been great, not just for the Mercedes and the Ferrari at the front.”
He pointed to standout performances across the grid: “Ollie Bearman coming home fifth was fantastic, the Colapinto race in China was great to watch. Gasly was up there as well. Lindblad has had a great race in Australia and was again in the mix.”
For Red Bull and Racing Bulls, the challenge now is to convert potential into performance. Both teams sit tied for fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, underlining their current position in the midfield rather than at the sharp end.
Clear believes that context is important when judging Verstappen’s frustration: “Max is not in a better place than he expected to be. He knew where the challenges were for them as a new power unit.”
Max will rise to the challenge
That perspective suggests the current struggles were anticipated internally, even if the scale of the gap has been difficult to manage in the opening races: “A change of regulations was never going to be what Max wanted. It was always going to be a very big challenge for his team.”
However, the long-term outlook remains positive. Clear pointed to the development potential under the new rules, where larger performance gains are still possible compared to previous cycles.
“The mix-up of the regulations has given teams an opportunity,” he said. “Teams are going to be making seconds worth of development over the next year, and that's abnormal.”
That development curve is exactly where Verstappen thrives. Clear expects the Dutchman’s frustration to evolve into motivation as Red Bull works to close the gap: “Yes, he's frustrated at the moment, but I think Max will rise to the challenge. Red Bull will rise to the challenge and that's what this sort of change of regulation does for the sport.”
With a long season ahead and multiple development opportunities built into the 2026 regulations, Red Bull’s early struggles may yet become the foundation of a comeback. (Quotes by Ignition Casino)
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