“Like Formula E on Steroids”Norris and Verstappen React as Recent Era Dawns for Formula 1
Formula 1’s new era got off to a dramatic start at the Australian Grand Prix, but not without some pointed criticism from reigning champions. Concerns over safety and the fundamental feel of the sport are already surfacing.
Max Verstappen described the experience of driving under the new regulations as feeling like a video game, a comparison he didn’t intend as a compliment. The four-time World Champion voiced his frustrations to Viaplay, calling the racing “chaos up and down” and highlighting the unusual demands of battery management. He noted that the need to constantly recharge the battery in the midfield leads to “strange things,” drawing a comparison to the unpredictable action of “Mario Kart.”
Verstappen has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the 2026-generation Formula 1 cars since testing. “It actually has nothing to do with Formula 1,” he complained. “It feels more like Formula E on steroids.” The new rules require drivers to manage battery levels constantly, preventing them from maintaining full throttle throughout a lap. With engines now relying on a roughly 50/50 split between combustion and battery power, strategic recharging has turn into a key element of race strategy.
Numbers Show Fans Witnessing More Overtakes
Verstappen, a dedicated sim racer, prefers the straightforward approach of full-throttle racing. He believes the new regulations force drivers to compromise on speed and instinct. “Drivers and fans just want the best for the sport. We aren’t being critical just for the sake of it,” said Verstappen, who finished sixth in Melbourne after starting from 20th on the grid. “We’re critical for a good reason, since we want it to remain Formula 1 – the right Formula 1 on steroids.”
The Australian Grand Prix delivered a thrilling spectacle, particularly in the early stages, as George Russell and Charles Leclerc battled for the lead. The introduction of “Boost” and “Overtake” modes contributed to a total of 125 overtakes during the race, a significant increase from the 45 recorded at the same event last year.
Leclerc Draws Parallels to Super Mario
Leclerc also found himself making gaming comparisons during the race, likening the speed boost provided by Mercedes to the power-up in the Super Mario franchise. “It’s like a mushroom in Mario Kart,” he radioed to his race engineer, eliciting a chuckle.
“The racing hasn’t changed that much compared to previous years. And that’s on a track that is particularly energy-demanding,” noted Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff. Verstappen, but, remains unconvinced. The question for him is whether overtaking maneuvers will be about outbraking opponents or simply activating a power-up, like pressing a button on a gamepad. A clash between purist racing philosophy and the world of gaming.
Norris Raises Safety Concerns
Lando Norris, who had initially defended the new Formula 1 regulations during testing, raised concerns about safety, citing the significant speed differences between cars. He pointed to the start of the race, where Franco Colapinto narrowly avoided a collision with Liam Lawson’s Racing Bull as an example. Norris described the first lap as chaotic and warned of potential for serious accidents. “It’s chaos, it’s going to cause big accidents. You’re just waiting for something to happen and something to go terribly wrong,” said Norris, who finished fifth in Melbourne.
Norris highlighted the speed differentials, estimating differences of “30, 40, or 50 km/h.” He warned that a collision at those speeds could send cars airborne and cause significant damage. “That’s a pretty scary thought,” he added.
Mercedes Boss Wolff Cautions Against Nostalgia
Even as acknowledging the concerns, Verstappen urged the FIA and Formula 1 management to address the issues quickly. Wolff, however, cautioned against excessive nostalgia. “We tend to be extremely nostalgic when we look back at past events,” he said, adding that Mercedes appears to be adapting to the new regulations successfully.
Despite this, Wolff didn’t rule out potential adjustments to the regulations. “We need to excite the fans, so we need to look at the product,” he said. “And if it needs to be adjusted, if we need to change something, I think we have the flexibility in Formula 1 to always craft those decisions.”
