World champion echoes Verstappen concerns in blunt F1 regulation assessment

The 72-year-old, speaking to Sky Sports F1, shared his expectations regarding Verstappen’s future, while also voicing concerns about the direction of Formula 1’s rules.

Addressing suggestions that Verstappen could walk away from the sport, Mansell dismissed the idea outright. However, he firmly supported the four-time world champion’s outspoken stance on the current regulations.

When asked about a possible retirement for Verstappen, Mansell responded: “No, no, no. Max is voicing his opinion. He’s a class act. He’s an incredible world champion. What he’s done over the last five years is astonishing. He almost won the championship last year.”

Touching further on the criticism of the Dutch driver, the former Scuderia Ferrari driver continued:

Mansell also noted that the current regulations, which see drivers experience a drop in speed due to energy harvesting and “super clipping”, do not align with the core of Formula 1 as a sport. The Brit, however, concluded by emphasising that drivers should be given the freedom to fully showcase their racing prowess.

“All this harvesting, going into fast corners and slowing down 50 to 70 kilometres an hour, that’s not Formula 1. Formula 1 is the drivers showing their talents and being able to drive the car, and not having drivers. Alonso was very funny, saying, ‘My chef can drive the car.”

Criticism of the current regulations, particularly among drivers and several stakeholders across F1, is fast becoming a chorus. The FIA, however, has stated it remains in communication with teams and engine manufacturers to consider potential modifications to the regulations as it sees fit.

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis believes the new rules do not require a complete overhaul, while acknowledging that revisions are needed.

The sport’s governing body has stepped in following heavy criticism of the new regulations across the opening three races, scheduling a series of meetings from Suzuka onwards, one of which already took place on April 9, with a decisive session set to follow on the 20th.

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