Max Verstappen has launched a scathing attack on Formula One’s controversial new regulations, likening the sport to a game of Mario Kart and casting further doubt over his long-term future on the grid.
The four-time world champion’s comments follow an impressive drive from 20th to sixth at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
F1 executives have reportedly already engaged with Verstappen to address his concerns, with further discussions planned with other frustrated drivers ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.
World champion Lando Norris echoed Verstappen’s sentiments, describing the racing – which now mandates drivers manage battery power and utilise a boost button for overtakes – as "very artificial". Norris also voiced fears of a "big accident" due to the significant differences in closing speeds between cars.
Speaking after Sunday’s race in Melbourne, won by British driver George Russell, Verstappen stated: "If you enjoy that, then okay, but that’s what I do at home when I play Mario Kart. For me, I didn’t enjoy the way we raced. It is not really proper."
Russell, who seized the world championship lead for the first time in his career with a dominant Mercedes victory, hinted at discontent among his rivals.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, who secured his best Ferrari result to date with a fourth-place finish, offered a contrasting view to those complaining: "They are further down the line with 20 cars ahead of you. It may seem different, but from my position I thought it was great.
“I thought the race was really fun – with lots of battling – and the car was really fun to drive. It was awesome."
A significant issue with the new rules is the requirement for drivers to effectively slow down at top speed to charge their car’s battery. One proposed solution involves reducing the electrical power from 350kW, thereby lessening the need for extensive battery management.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA single-seater chief Nikolas Tombazis are scheduled to gather feedback from the grid’s 11 team principals in Shanghai.
Separately, a decision regarding next month’s races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia could be postponed until after the Chinese Grand Prix.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has placed the rounds on 12 and 19 April in considerable jeopardy.
Should both be cancelled, they are not expected to be replaced, creating a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on 29 March and the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May.
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