Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has dismissed suggestions that four-time world champion Max Verstappen could lose interest in Formula 1 due to the sport’s new engine regulations.

Verstappen has been vocal about the upcoming cars, describing last week’s Red Bull test as “not much fun to drive” and likening it to “Formula E on steroids.”

During a press conference at pre-season testing in Bahrain, a Dutch reporter asked Mekies about comments that Verstappen had avoided the 2026 car on the simulator last year because he disliked its feel. “Have you any concerns about him losing interest in this kind of Formula 1?” the reporter asked.

“Short answer is no,” Mekies replied. “Zero concern about that. Yes, I do recall our conversation last year when he was switching from one car model to another. The difference was significant, and at some stage, he rightly decided to focus on the 2025 car.

“The reality is that the challenge of these new regulations is massive—but that’s exactly what we love: trying to break through these challenges, finding solutions that weren’t on the table before. And that’s what we’ll do with Max.”

Speaking in a separate press conference, Verstappen clarified that he had simply been honest about his feelings. The 28-year-old, who finished behind McLaren’s Lando Norris last year, also reiterated concerns about the electrical component of the new power units, now accounting for 50% of output.

“I don’t want us to be close to all-electric Formula E,” Verstappen said. “I want us to stay true to Formula 1. Don’t increase the battery—actually reduce it—and focus on having a proper engine. Formula E can be Formula E; that’s their domain.”

The 2026 season is set to begin in Australia on March 8.