Four-time world champion Max Verstappen does not hide his discontent with the new technical era of Formula 1, but recognizes that the changes are here to stay. On the eve of the Australian Grand Prix, which opens the season this Sunday, the Red Bull driver reinforced his reservations about the regulations that favor the electrification of engines.
During the pre-season, Verstappen was incisive in criticizing the increased dependence on recovery tactics and energy use, going so far as to classify the category as a “Formula E on steroids” and labeling the new format as “anti-racing”.
Investment prevents retreat
Dissatisfaction is not exclusive to the Dutch. Carlos Sainz, now at Williams, suggested that the FIA should listen more to drivers and demonstrate flexibility for specific adjustments between races. Verstappen, however, was pragmatic in assessing the situation at hand.
“It’s a little late for that,” the pilot told reporters. “For the amount of money that has already been invested in these rules, they will remain in place for a long time. Bringing these issues to light now is too late.”
Debut of Red Bull’s own engine
Despite criticism of the overall concept of the category, Verstappen praised the RB22’s behavior. The car marks a historic moment for , which will compete in Australia with its own power unit for the first time.
“I was positively surprised by the overall feeling,” he said. “The changes were complex for everyone, but the driving experience and the integration between engine and chassis are good.”
As for favoritism, the four-time champion lowered his expectations. After winter testing, Mercedes and Ferrari appear to be one step ahead of the competition.
“Looking at the performance side, we want to be a little faster. Naturally, everyone wants to, but from what we learned in the tests in Bahrain, at least for now, we are not the fastest”, he admitted.
