Max Verstappen Says Spa’s Pouhon Turn Feels Like an F3 Car with F1 Downforce

Max Verstappen qualified second for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa‑Francorchamps and described the circuit’s second sector, especially the fast double‑left‑hand Pouhon corner, as being driven only with the internal‑combustion engine. He estimated the power available there at 450‑500 PS, comparable to a Formula 3 car, and noted that the lack of MGU‑K electric boost reduces the overall power to less than a typical F1 unit’s 540 PS. Verstappen said the situation makes the sector “not particularly exciting” and joked that continual criticism might get him “shot outside the door.” Other drivers, including Carlos Sainz and the McLaren pair, also voiced concerns about the 2026 regulation changes that limit electric assistance.

Kimi Antonelli secured pole position, confirming expectations that Spa will be one of the most demanding tracks for energy management under the new rules.