Podcast: Punished by new F1 rules — why Max Verstappen has lost his edge
We reveal why F1's 2026 rules have penalised Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc — and how the Ferrari driver has found a new advantage. Plus: a crunch meeting on the new regulations, and the best team boss in Formula 1 history
Two top F1 drivers punished by the new regulations — with two very different reactions. Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc can’t race the way that they want to and Verstappen is threatening to quit. But, as our grand prix editor Mark Hughes explains, Leclerc has built a team to help him master the new rules.
Don’t miss this fascinating episode of the Motor Sport F1 Show that reveals exactly how two of F1’s leading drivers have been de-fanged as a result of their current cars and the new regulations, as well as Verstappen’s hopes for an improvement.
Mark and presenter Bryn Lucas also look ahead to F1’s crunch meeting where changes to the 2026 rules will be discussed.
Plus, Mark answers your questions on the greatest team boss in F1’s history, whether Max Verstappen could be a target for Toto Wolff, and more potential solutions to F1’s 2026 troubles.
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