(Motorsport-Total.com) – It is now well known that Max Verstappen is no fan of the new Formula 1 regulations. The four-time world champion had already expressed criticism during testing, saying that the new Formula 1 is “like Formula E on steroids.” After the season opener in Australia, the Red Bull star is doubling down.
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“If you liked the race, okay,” Verstappen says clearly in an interview with Viaplay. “But I do that at home when I play Mario Kart. Personally, I can’t enjoy that.” The Dutchman had to start from the back of the grid after his accident in qualifying and fight his way through the field.
With a sixth-place finish, Verstappen was able to do some damage control, 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 says, hoping that there might still be changes to the regulations.
“We don’t just criticize for the sake of criticizing”
“I hope that we might even be able to come up with some different solutions over the course of this year so that it becomes more entertaining for everyone,” adds Verstappen, who remains tight-lipped about a possible Formula 1 exit but rules out a departure in the near future.
“I love racing, but at some point it’s over, right?” says the four-time world champion. “I hope, of course, that something finally happens. Because I’m not the only one saying this, and I think many people feel the same way. Whether drivers or fans, we just want the best for the sport.”
“We don’t just criticize for the sake of criticizing,” emphasizes Verstappen, who is competing in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this year. “We criticize for good reason: we want Formula 1, the real Formula 1 on steroids. Today, of course, that was not the case again.”
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Leclerc: “It’s like the mushroom in Mario Kart”
The world champion receives support from 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.
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Cadillac driver Sergio Perez was even 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 happy, even if the car wasn’t the most fun this weekend.”
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