Verstappen critical of the FIA: 'Didn't they realize how bad it would be?'

In recent days, much has been said and written about the new generation of F1 cars, with Verstappen in particular being highly critical of them. The Red Bull Racing driver dislikes having to lift to recharge the battery. He thinks that does not fit Formula 1 at all, which should be about speed rather than energy management.

Verstappen spoke about the matter to Dutch media, where GPblog was present, but he did not address the FIA or Formula 1 directly.

He said: "I think they maybe didn’t fully realize how bad it would be. But yeah, we’ll see [in the coming period]. On this circuit it’s still fairly okay. When you go to Melbourne, you really see how much you have to back off on a straight."

According to Verstappen, circuits with long straights will lead to odd races because drivers will have to hold back there. "In Melbourne, Monza for example. Not so much in Mexico because the air is very thin there and you brake a lot. But of course on that long straight, you do [have to back off]."

His favourite race on the calendar won’t be great either, Verstappen continued. "Spa will be bad... Yeah, there are quite a few. Las Vegas. Maybe we’ll have to brake halfway down the straight there," the Dutchman explained, before letting out a brief laugh.

Then, he added on a more serious note: "I may be laughing now, but of course that makes no sense at all."