After the Formula 1 season opener in Australia, Max Verstappen once again criticized the new regulations and drew a comparison with Mario Kart.
It is now well known that Max Verstappen is not a fan of the new Formula 1 regulations. The four-time world champion had already criticized the new Formula 1 during test drives, saying it was “like Formula E on steroids.” After the season opener in Australia, the Red Bull star has once again voiced his criticism.
“If you enjoyed the race, okay,” Verstappen makes clear in an interview with Viaplay. “But I do that at home when I play Mario Kart. Personally, I can’t enjoy it.” After his accident in qualifying, the Dutchman had to start from the back of the grid and fight his way through the field.
Verstappen was able to limit the damage with a sixth-place finish, but he is not satisfied given the new rules and the resulting change in driving style. “So let’s see what we can do,” he said, hoping that there may still be changes to the regulations.
“We’re not just criticizing for the sake of criticizing”
“I hope that we can perhaps even come up with some different solutions in the course of this year to make it more entertaining for everyone,” adds Verstappen, who remains tight-lipped about a possible departure from Formula 1 but rules out leaving in the near future.
“I love racing, but at some point it has to end, right?” says the four-time world champion. “Of course, I hope that something finally happens. Because I’m not the only one saying this, and I think many others feel the same way. Whether we’re drivers or fans, we just want what’s best for the sport.”
“We’re not just criticizing for the sake of criticizing,” emphasizes Verstappen, who is competing in this year’s 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. “We’re criticizing for a good reason: we want Formula 1, the real Formula 1 on steroids. Today, of course, that was not the case again.”
Leclerc: “It’s like the mushroom in Mario Kart”
The world champion is supported by Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, who already reacted on the team radio during the race after dueling with Mercedes driver George Russell in the early stages. “It’s like the mushroom in Mario Kart,” the Monegasque joked with his engineer.
Cadillac driver Sergio Perez was already amused before the race and commented mischievously in an interview with Sky Sport F1: “Let’s see what happens in this video game race.” Haas driver Oliver Bearman also added when asked that it feels “a bit” like a video game.
“It was like I was in Formula 1 and everyone else was in Formula 2,” the Brit recalls a scene during the race when he was significantly faster thanks to electric power. “But then, of course, you have to recharge the battery, otherwise you’re dead on the next straight.”
“So there are a lot of things to think about, which is complicated,” says Bearman. “But the fact that I finished in P7 means I’m satisfied, even though the car wasn’t the most fun this weekend.”