Max Verstappen in fresh F1 rules rant after Chinese Grand Prix retirement

15 Mar 2026 • 9:10 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Max Verstappen has warned that Formula One's new regulations are on the brink of ruining the sport, describing them as "terrible" and "Mario Kart-like".
  • The four-time world champion criticised the rules for their focus on battery power management and a boost button for overtaking, stating they are "fundamentally flawed".
  • Verstappen believes the current regulations will "come back to bite the sport on the a***" and are not what real F1 fans or most drivers desire.
  • His strong comments followed a difficult weekend in China, where he retired from Sunday’s race due to engine failure and failed to score points in the sprint.
  • Conversely, Lewis Hamilton offered a positive view, stating that the new rules have led to "the best racing I have ever experienced in Formula One" due to easier following.

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