(Motorsport-Total.com) – The fierce criticism from Max Verstappen that Formula 1 would be “like Formula E on steroids” in the future and no longer fun had sparked speculation about the near future of the four-time world champion. But now the 28-year-old Dutchman speaks out clearly.
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Because when asked how long Verstappen still plans to stay in Formula 1, he gives a clear answer: “Hopefully a long time,” says the Red Bull star in an interview with Viaplay, thereby debunking rumors that he is actually considering an early Formula 1 exit due to the new regulations.
“But that is always very difficult to predict,” Verstappen adds, also with an eye on Red Bull’s competitiveness. “It’s also hard to assess where we stand. And hopefully it won’t be too bad. Some tracks will definitely be better than others. But hopefully we’ll be able to enjoy it on Sunday.”
Max Verstappen: It still has to be fun!
However, Verstappen rules out being swayed by success alone. “It has nothing to do with my results,” says the Red Bull driver. “It still has to be fun, what you do. Even if you are the best in your profession – and it doesn’t matter if that’s racing – you have to enjoy it.”
“If you don’t like going to work, it doesn’t last long. I think that applies to everyone. It wouldn’t be nice if you didn’t enjoy your work.” But the new Formula 1 regulations are currently not contributing to the Dutchman really enjoying his job.
“In the end, everything you drive at the limit is difficult,” the four-time world champion emphasizes. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a Formula 1 car, a GT car, or a road car. Some things are just more pleasant to drive than others.” Nevertheless, Verstappen’s original criticism remains: “Is this really what we want?”
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Efficiency as an important factor in competitiveness
Verstappen is not yet ready to agree that drivers will make a bigger difference in the future, as Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies had said. “In the end, you have a certain amount of energy that you can use per lap,” the 28-year-old reminds.
“And of course it depends on how good your engine is or how efficient your car is on the straights. So many things have to come together. But in terms of defending and attacking – because now everyone has their wings open on the straights – it will be different how you can overtake,” says Verstappen, noting that energy usage in Melbourne will be “quite limited.”
“So that will be very tricky,” says the Red Bull driver. “There are very few heavy braking zones, many long straights. Small differences in how you can charge the battery have a huge impact on performance. It’s very complicated. That’s why we spend a lot of time in the simulator to optimize that as much as possible.”
Question marks “also make things interesting”
Overall, there are still some question marks before the season opener next weekend, Verstappen admits. This also applies to the spectators, by the way. “It will be complicated to understand and explain that. I think that is the main point.”
“In the end, it’s still a Formula 1 car, a racing car,” says the Dutchman. “There will still be qualifying and races. But I think it will take time to get used to. Also with overtaking. I have no idea what that will be like. So there are many question marks for everyone. And on the other hand, that also makes things interesting, because that’s exactly what the spectators will be looking at.”
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