Max Verstappen (left) complains about the new Formula 1. © APA/afp / MARTIN KEEP

Criticism of the new Formula 1: Similar to "Mario Kart"

Max Verstappen feels like he's in a video game with the new Formula 1. However, the four-time Red Bull world champion and passionate sim racer doesn't want this to be taken as a compliment at all after the thrilling season opener in Australia.

March 09, 2026

From: dpa/dl

Verstappen described the start of a new era in Formula 1 to Viaplay as "utter chaos." He said the need to recharge the engine's battery after it's discharged leads to "strange things" in the midfield, reminding him of "Mario Kart." Verstappen would prefer to turn back the clock.

The 71-time Grand Prix winner isn't warming to the new Formula 1. Even during testing, he complained about the 2026 generation. "It has practically nothing to do with Formula 1," Verstappen lamented. "It feels more like Formula E on steroids."

Following the rule changes, drivers are required to constantly manage their battery power. They can no longer drive at full throttle, otherwise the new motors will run out of power. The engines draw roughly 50 percent of their power from the combustion engine and almost 50 percent from the battery, which then needs to be recharged.

"It has nothing to do with Formula 1. It feels more like Formula E on steroids." Max Verstappen

Verstappen, however, is a staunch advocate of full-throttle driving: braking as late as possible, accelerating as early as possible. Downshifting on the straight, lifting off the throttle and coasting to a stop, only to then accelerate again with a charged battery, as practiced in qualifying, goes against the Dutchman's instincts.

“Drivers and fans only want the best for the sport. We’re not just being critical for the sake of criticism,” said Verstappen, who finished sixth in Melbourne after starting 20th. “We’re critical for good reason, because we want it to remain Formula 1, the real Formula 1 on steroids.”

In the world of the mustachioed plumber

Fans were treated to a spectacular show, especially in the early stages, as eventual race winner George Russell in his Mercedes and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc repeatedly overtook each other at the front. Thanks to the new "Boost" and "Overtake" modes, a total of 125 overtaking maneuvers were recorded. In contrast, Formula 1 statisticians recorded just 45 overtaking maneuvers at the season opener in Melbourne a year earlier.

Max Verstappen in his new Red Bull. © APA/afp / MARTIN KEEP

Leclerc also felt transported at times during the race into the world of the mustachioed video game plumber Super Mario. He compared a burst of speed from Mercedes to the turbo boost in the game series. "It's like a mushroom in Mario Kart," Leclerc radioed, amusing his race engineer: "That was a good one."
Like at the touch of a button

“The racing wasn’t that different compared to previous years. And that was on a track that is particularly demanding in terms of energy,” said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
Verstappen wouldn't agree with that without reservations. His question would likely be: Are overtaking maneuvers performed by slowing down opponents to gain a position, or is it done like pressing a button on a gamepad, as in a video game? Pure theory versus gaming theory.

Norris is concerned about safety.

World champion Lando Norris, who had defended the new Formula 1 cars during testing, again raised safety concerns, citing the speed differences. He provided an example at the start, when Franco Colapinto in his Alpine had to maneuver around Liam Lawson's almost stalled Racing Bull.

Norris found the first race of the season far too hectic. "It's chaos, there are serious accidents. You drive and just wait for something to happen and for something to go horribly wrong," said Norris, who finished fifth ahead of Verstappen.

"Everyone only ever looks out for themselves."

Given the circumstances, the 35th Formula 1 world champion spoke of differences "of 30, 40 or 50 km/h. If someone hits you at that speed, you fly through the air, land over the fence and cause serious damage to yourself and possibly others as well. That's a pretty terrifying thought," said Norris.

Lando Norris is worried about safety. © ANSA / JOEL CARRETT

While he sees no prospect of a quick fix, Verstappen appealed to the FIA, motorsport's governing body, and Formula 1 management to implement changes quickly. But does everyone want that? "Everyone only ever looks out for themselves. We're all selfish in that respect," Russell admitted.

The old cars caused back pain

The Englishman recalled the so-called ground-effect cars of the previous generation, which, due to their aerodynamic peculiarities, sometimes bounced violently on the asphalt. "Everyone had back pain from it, and the drivers complained about it," said Russell.

The Mercedes team principal also finds the current wave of criticism somewhat misplaced. "We tend to be very nostalgic when we look back on past events," said Wolff, who is naturally pleased that his team already seems to be implementing the new regulations very successfully.

The fans decide with a vote

Wolff, however, does not rule out adjustments to the regulations. "We have to excite the fans, so we simply have to look at the product," said the Austrian. "And if it needs to be adapted, if we have to change something, then in my opinion we always have the flexibility in Formula 1 to make such decisions."