After qualifying for the Belgian GP, Max Verstappen is certain: Spa-Francorchamps is no longer the same due to the new F1 regulations. After the race weekend in Silverstone, the Dutchman already predicted that this circuit would also suffer from the current focus on energy management. Verstappen qualified P2 on Saturday, but the experience in the cockpit did little to please him.
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Spa-Francorchamps, the longest circuit on the F1 calendar, has long been considered one of Verstappen’s favorite tracks. He has also been dominant in the Ardennes three times. However, in 2026, the Red Bull driver experiences significantly less enjoyment on the iconic circuit. During the official FIA press conference after qualifying, he was asked about his experience, given his earlier comments on the regulations. “It’s not the same circuit,” Verstappen sighed. “But I had already mentally prepared for that.”
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“For most of the second sector, you drive only on the combustion engine,” explained the four-time world champion. “It has about the same power as an F3 car, with the difference that we have more downforce.” Verstappen suggested that he used to be much faster through this part of the circuit. “I have adapted to it, but it’s not what I prefer to do.” Lando Norris drew a similar conclusion. About the notorious Pouhon corner, the McLaren driver said: “It’s no longer a corner, we can just go flat out through there now.”
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