Verstappen blasted for 'whining' about new F1 rules in stark backlash

Even after the Chinese Grand Prix, the four-time world champion did not hold back in launching further criticism at the new regulations, going as far as saying that “It’s not fun at all, it’s like playing Mario Kart” and that “this is not racing.”

Responding to the Dutchman’s comments to Sky Deutschland, the former German driver had something to say in return: "Max has proven that he is the fastest driver. Now he needs to help his team, which is having problems and stop whining. The fact that he then simply wants to drive in a different racing series... you can do that, but you don't have to.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies cancelled his scheduled media duties following the Chinese Grand Prix, and later boarded Verstappen’s private jet alongside several key figures from the team.

Among those joining the Dutchman were technical director Pierre Waché, race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase and Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen, with the group leaving China together shortly after the race weekend.

Exactly what was discussed during the flight remains unknown, though there was certainly plenty to talk about after a difficult weekend for the Milton Keynes-based outfit. Despite the optimistic tone struck in the team’s official post-race statements from Mekies, Red Bull are clearly not operating at the level they expect.