Max Verstappen criticizes the new rules on energy management in F1 and jokes: he trains with Mario Kart. But behind the joke there is a real malaise
A simple joke, apparently. At the press conference in China, Max Verstappen responded with a (bitter) smile to those who asked him if simulators could help pilots adapt to new energy management regulations. «I found a cheaper solution: I put the simulator aside and train with the Nintendo Switch»declared the Dutch champion. Who already knows the mushrooms from Mario Kart very well, as he wittily explained. «The blue shield still gives me trouble. And I’m working on the bullet.” The audience laughed, of course. But the reality is that Verstappen wasn’t just joking.
The real problem: Driving is less fun
The controversies began as early as the first Grand Prix, in Melbourne. But the new rules introduced by Formula 1 starting from China change the way drivers must manage power and batteries in the race. The stated objective is to make racing more strategic, pushing athletes to carefully dose energy to exploit it in decisive moments. An approach that does not convince the four-time world champion.
“Sometimes everything seems contradictory,” confessed the Red Bull driver in a more serious tone. «The thrill of the race fadeswhile the daily collaboration with the team and the engine department represents a great source of satisfaction for me.» A clear distinction: on the one hand, working with engineers still excites him, on the other, driving on the track is less satisfying.
Be careful, this is not an isolated position. After the Australian Grand Prix, several drivers expressed reservations about the new regulation. The conflicting reactions have opened a technical and strategic debate that will probably continue throughout the season.
Dialogue with FIA and Formula 1
Verstappen announced that he has started a direct confrontation with Formula 1 and the FIA, hoping for concrete changes for next year. In the meantime, he specified, various options are being evaluated.
The question is not trivial at all. Battery charging regulations go to the heart of modern competition: whoever manages energy better has a real advantage. But if the strongest drivers (indeed, the strongest at the moment) perceive these rules as a brake on pure talent, the risk is that Formula 1 will become a sport more of calculations than instinct. Despite the numerous overtakings at the Australian GP. And despite a big shot like Lewis Hamilton instead declares himself enthusiastic about the new Formula 1.
Of course, anyone who owns a very competitive car (like the Mercedes and a reborn Lewis) can only be happy. However, those who feel unable to fight for the title, like Max and the McLarens, are opposed and polemical. As is normal.
