David Croft praises Max Verstappen's "brave" stance against F1 2026 regulations

Sky Sports Formula 1 lead commentator David Croft has praised Max Verstappen's "refreshing" and consistent stance on the new regulations, which were introduced in 2026.

The championship made a move away from the ground effect era in 2026 with the introduction of the new regulations. The main changes included an almost fifty-fifty split between internal combustion and electric power, Overtake Mode, active aerodynamics and smaller, lighter cars.

The four-time champion has revealed his scepticism about the changes over the last couple of years and has not changed his stance since. In the early stages of the season, he branded the new regulations "Formula E on steroids" and has been open to the possibility of retiring if he does not find enjoyment in any regulation tweaks made.

Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Show, Croft explained: "Just on the subject of Max, I don't think it's just idle threats for the benefit of politics. He's stayed very consistent for the last two and a half to three years on this current formula in Formula 1, that he doesn't agree with it.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images

"He doesn't like it, and he didn't think it was going to work, and he now doesn't think it is working. He hasn't budged one bit on his feelings on that, and actually was brave enough to speak out long before any other driver.

"If Red Bull is in favour of making changes, then he's not doing it to try and force his team to be part of this. I think he's just saying, and he's being Max, he's saying what he believes is right. And that's the refreshing thing about Max: he has the courage of his convictions.

"He stands up for what he believes in, and he doesn't change on a weekly basis."

Verstappen currently sits seventh in the drivers' championship with 43 points.