Max Verstappen had an impressive climb during the very first race of the season in Melbourne. The Dutchman started the race in twentieth, but finished in sixth place. However, the four-time world champion did not enjoy the Grand Prix, and that had everything to do with the brand-new regulations: ‘In the midfield, Mario Kart-like things were happening’.
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Max Verstappen already called the new 2026 cars for the season ‘unworthy of Formula 1’, and compared driving them to the electric racing class Formula E. Even now that the first race is over, the Dutchman has not become much more enthusiastic. “We were a lot faster than the entire midfield and got through there unscathed. After that, there were a lot of problems with graining and braking,” Verstappen tells Viaplay. “The steering didn’t feel very good either. So there aren’t many positive things, to be honest.” Additionally, the Dutchman was at the start with an empty battery: “Somehow it drained completely during the formation lap.”
In addition to the completely new car, Red Bull is also on the grid for the first time this season with its own developed engine. Verstappen was more enthusiastic about the power unit. “The speed is of course not bad. It’s the first time we’re competing with our own engine, so that means there is power in it. To compete right at the front, it’s not enough yet, but that’s not our only problem.”
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Mario Kart
According to the world champion, racing under the new regulations was extremely chaotic. “Then you overtake on the straight and you can be attacked back immediately,” the driver continues. “I might not have suffered from that as much, because we have a bit more speed in the corners than many other teams. But in the midfield, Mario Kart-like things were happening.” According to Verstappen, there is therefore nothing positive to say about this new way of racing. However, the Dutchman says he is not yet considering retirement due to the new rules, but hopes that the FIA and F1 can soon come up with adjustments.
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Read everything about the Australian GP here
