Verstappen cautious: 'Bad idea to make all teams equal in 2021'

Seven-time Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen has explained why he thinks it's unwise for Formula 1 to make all teams equal in the future, although the Dutchman wouldn't be against the field being somewhat closer together.

Verstappen has had his best season so far for Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, with the 22-year-old grabbing two wins in the first half of the season as well as his maiden pole position in Hungary.

However, momentum seems to be shifting away from the young star since the summer break, 'only' picking up a single podium finish in the last four races compared to the drivers around him, with Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc both winning races since the summer.

Looking ahead to 2021, with this being one of the key points from the upcoming shift in regulation, Verstappen was asked whether he thinks there should be more equal opportunities for the smaller teams as well.

"Yes and no," he told Verstappen.nl.

"Formula 1 became popular because of works teams showing what they're capable of. It's also good for the development of road cars. What we learn in Formula 1 gets adapted later onto road cars. 

"It's also good PR when Mercedes beat Ferrari in Formula 1. In the end, it's marketing for Red Bull as well. It can be a little closer together, but it's a bad idea to make everyone equal."

New regulations also want to make F1 cheaper for constructors from 2021 onwards and for engine manufacturers in particular, and improvement in overtaking has also been flagged as a big point to improve on. How does Max look at all these regulation changes?

"It looks good, but as it stands, the cars will be three seconds slower. 

"It doesn't have to be as quick [as it is now], but three seconds is quite a lot. I think we should make the cars lighter, but that's difficult with the hybrid engines and the battery-packs."