F1: Verstappen & Norris Criticize New Era as ‘Formula E on Steroids’
The Formula 1 season is barely 300 kilometers underway following its most significant regulatory overhaul in recent history, yet grumbling from two world champions is already echoing through the paddock. Concerns extend beyond performance, encompassing driver safety.
Max Verstappen described his experience in the modern era of Formula 1 as akin to playing a video game – a comparison he emphatically did not intend as a compliment. The four-time world champion, and avid sim racer, expressed his frustration to Viaplay after the opening race in Australia. He highlighted the necessity of constantly managing battery levels, leading to “strange things” in the midfield reminiscent of “Mario Kart.” Verstappen voiced a clear desire to revert to previous regulations.
The 71-time Grand Prix winner is struggling to adapt to the new Formula 1 landscape. He had already voiced his discontent during pre-season testing. “It doesn’t really have anything to do with Formula 1,” Verstappen complained. “It feels more like Formula E on steroids.” The new regulations require drivers to continuously manage battery usage, preventing them from maintaining full throttle indefinitely – a constraint that clashes with Verstappen’s driving style.
Verstappen, a staunch advocate of all-out speed, believes the current system compromises the core essence of racing. He questions whether overtaking maneuvers are now dictated by strategic battery deployment or simply by pressing a button for a power boost, akin to a video game.
Numbers Show: Spectacle Delivered to Fans
Despite Verstappen’s reservations, the Australian Grand Prix delivered a spectacle for fans. The introduction of “Boost” and “Overtake” modes contributed to a significant increase in overtaking maneuvers. A total of 125 overtakes were recorded, a stark contrast to the 45 observed at the same race last year.
Charles Leclerc echoed some of Verstappen’s sentiments, drawing a comparison to the world of Super Mario. He likened the speed boost provided by Mercedes to the turbo power-up in the iconic gaming series. “It’s like a mushroom in Mario Kart,” Leclerc radioed to his team, eliciting amusement from his race engineer.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the increased entertainment value. “Racing compared to the past years hasn’t changed that much. And that on a track that is particularly energy-demanding,” he stated. Although, Verstappen remains unconvinced.
Norris Warns of Dangerous Accidents
Lando Norris, who initially defended the new Formula 1 regulations during testing, raised concerns about safety, citing the significant speed differentials between cars. He pointed to an incident at the start of the race where Franco Colapinto narrowly avoided a collision with Liam Lawson’s Racing Bull as an example of the chaotic conditions. Norris described the first race as “a chaos” and expressed fears of a “remarkably scary” accident.
Norris highlighted the potential for high-speed impacts, stating, “You’re running and just waiting for something to happen and something to go terribly wrong.” He warned of the dangers of collisions occurring at speeds of “30, 40, or 50 km/h,” potentially resulting in cars leaving the track and causing significant damage.
Mercedes Boss Wolff Cautions Against Excessive Nostalgia
Verstappen has urged the FIA and Formula 1 management to address these concerns promptly. Wolff, however, cautioned against excessive nostalgia. “We tend to be very nostalgic when we look back at things,” he said, while also acknowledging Mercedes’ successful adaptation to the new regulations.
Wolff did not rule out potential adjustments to the regulations. “We require to excite the fans, so we need to look at the product,” he explained. “And if we need to adjust something, if we need to change something, I consider we have the flexibility in Formula 1 to always make those decisions.”
Verstappen was cleared by the Formula 1 medical team after X-rays on his hands following a crash in qualifying on , which will see him start from 20th place on the grid in Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix. He stated, “All good. I just had to get some X-rays done to see if my hands were OK, but nothing was broken.” The crash occurred when he lost control of his Red Bull while braking for turn one, skidding into the barriers. He described the incident as unprecedented, stating, “To lose the car like that on the braking, I’ve never experienced that in my life.”
The Australian Grand Prix marked Verstappen’s eighth Q1 exit since joining Formula One in 2015.