Verstappen backed in new F1 rules row: ‘A pure driver would have hated it’

The four-time world champion continued to talk against the new regulations in China as well, arguing that the current style of racing is comparable to Mario Kart and warning that “if someone likes this, then you really don’t know what racing is about.”

Speaking to Sky Deutschland during the Shanghai weekend, the former Canadian driver acknowledged that the show on offer was undoubtedly entertaining: “It’s a different race, but it’s fun. So what do you want? Do you want a nice show? We’re providing a nice show.”

However, Villeneuve also pointed out that old-school drivers from his generation would have been far from impressed with these new regulations: “If you asked a pure driver, like those from our time, I think they would have hated it.”

Verstappen’s issues off the line have become a recurring theme at the start of the 2026 season, and the topic once again came under scrutiny after the race.

Speaking to Canal+, the four-time world champion was questioned about the problem, especially after it was pointed out that teammate Isack Hadjar and the two Racing Bulls drivers, all using the same power unit, did not experience similar difficulties on Sunday.

Verstappen firmly rejected any suggestion of driver error, making it clear the issue lies with the engine, which is not delivering the expected response at launch.