Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the new generation of Formula 1 cars, calling them “just not fun to drive” and comparing them unfavorably to Formula E vehicles. Speaking at the Bahrain International Circuit, Verstappen questioned the merit of having to drive these complicated new machines, signaling frustration with how the updated regulations have altered the driving experience in F1.
The Dutch driver, who has enjoyed a promising start to pre-season testing with Red Bull’s RB22, is preparing for the team’s introduction of its first-ever in-house power unit at the upcoming Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Despite the encouraging performance in Milton Keynes, Verstappen remains critical of the technical changes governing this season’s cars.
Technical Challenges Spark Discontent Among Top Drivers
Verstappen’s disappointment reflects broader concerns among drivers regarding the complexity and entertainment value of the latest F1 cars. He explained that adapting to the regulations is necessary but lamented that the current style of driving detracts from what he believes Formula 1 should represent. He highlighted issues like energy management strategies that require sacrificing speed in certain corners to gain advantages on straights, a tactic he associated more with Formula E than F1.
“As a driver, you adapt everywhere, so you just have to put up with it,”
Verstappen said at Bahrain.
“But in my head, that’s not F1-worthy, that we have to drive like that.”
“It doesn’t make any sense at all, does it? So in certain corners on certain circuits, it is better to go a little slower in order to regain more energy for the straight. Sorry, but that belongs in Formula E.”
Elsewhere, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton also voiced concern, describing the new regulations as overly complex. During a meeting, Hamilton remarked on the difficulty of understanding these rules, joking that
“you need a degree to fully understand it all,”
and noted that fans might struggle to follow the intricacies as well.
“None of the fans are gonna understand it, I don’t think,”
Hamilton said.
“It’s so complex – it’s ridiculously complex. I was sat in a meeting the other day, and they were taking us through it, and it’s like you need a degree to fully understand it all.”
Potential Impact on Verstappen’s Career and F1’s Future
Verstappen hinted that his dissatisfaction could accelerate his departure from Formula 1. Having already achieved multiple world championships, he emphasized that the demand to master these cars—while manageable—is no longer enjoyable and diminished his motivation to continue competing indefinitely.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s very complicated or not, I know I can do it anyway,”
Verstappen said.
“That’s not the problem either. It’s just not fun to drive. If you have obviously already won and achieved everything, then it all really doesn’t have to happen anymore.”
“There are lots of other fun things you can do. And that’s also what I’m definitely going to do. Maybe already this year and in the years to come. And this certainly doesn’t help to continue for a very long time.”
The remarks from Verstappen, along with feedback from drivers like Hamilton, reflect unease within the F1 community about the direction imposed by the current technical rules. How the sport addresses these concerns could influence both driver retention and fan engagement moving forward, especially as teams prepare to compete in the highly anticipated Australian Grand Prix.
