Max Verstappen has once again voiced his dissatisfaction with Formula One's new regulations, calling the cars unenjoyable and dangerous. The four-time world champion, speaking ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, reiterated that he would leave the sport if he no longer found it enjoyable, a sentiment he has expressed previously.
Verstappen criticised the energy management required by the new engines, which split power almost equally between internal combustion and electrical energy. He described the need to harvest and deploy electrical energy as 'anti-racing', forcing drivers to slow down and corner at suboptimal speeds. He mockingly compared the situation to the video game Mario Kart, saying he had swapped his simulator for a Nintendo Switch to practise.
Several drivers have echoed concerns about safety, with Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson warning that a start-line crash is likely unless regulations are changed. Lawson said he braced for impact after his car struggled off the line in Melbourne, narrowly avoiding a collision with Franco Colapinto's Alpine. 'At the moment, it is quite dangerous,' Lawson said.
Verstappen, who finished sixth in Melbourne after starting 20th, stressed that his unhappiness is not solely due to Red Bull's performance. He confirmed he has held discussions with F1 and the FIA, hoping for improvements. 'I don't want to leave, but I also hope of course that it gets better,' he said.
A drivers' meeting originally scheduled after the Japanese Grand Prix has been brought forward to this weekend in Shanghai, where immediate adjustments could be considered. Verstappen also revealed he will compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours this year, describing endurance racing as a 'bucket-list' event that provides enjoyment away from F1.
