Verstappen Finds ‘Fun’ Beyond F1 Amid Regulation Concerns

SHANGHAI, China — “I swapped the simulator for my Nintendo Switch and (I’ve been) practicing Mario Kart.” It was a tongue-in-cheek comment from Max Verstappen, delivered during Thursday’s news conference for the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver was responding to a question about his preparations for the race weekend.

But the remark also underscored his ongoing criticism of Formula 1’s 2026 cars and new energy-focused engine regulations, a topic he’s addressed for over two years, most recently with a blunt “anti-racing” assessment during preseason testing last month.

Shared Concerns About New Racing Style

Verstappen’s criticism resonates with many of his fellow drivers. World champion Lando Norris described the new racing style as “very artificial,” while Haas driver Ollie Bearman likened the overtaking maneuvers to a video game. This supports Verstappen’s long-held reservations.

Continuing his analogy, Verstappen joked about “finding the mushrooms” – a reference to a Mario Kart power-up – and the difficulty of avoiding the “blue shell.”

The new F1 cars prioritize electrical energy management and harvesting, often making slower cornering speeds more efficient for recharging the battery and gaining power on straights. While some drivers who performed well in Australia weren’t critical, there’s a consensus that it represents a fundamentally different driving and racing experience, lacking the relentless pursuit of high speeds that many drivers enjoy. The new cars are also not breaking speed records, unlike their 2025 predecessors.

Expanding Beyond Formula 1

Verstappen is finding alternative racing avenues to satisfy his competitive drive. In May, he will participate in the 24-hour sports car race at the Nürburgring on the challenging Nordschleife layout, known as the “Green Hell.” He will drive a Mercedes AMG GT3 car alongside three other drivers, representing his team, Verstappen Racing.

Verstappen Racing has turn into a significant side project, focused on helping racers transition from online simulations to real-world competition. It also allows Verstappen to explore racing events outside of F1.

“I wish I had a bit more fun (in F1), but I’m also doing other stuff that is a lot of fun,” Verstappen said. “I obtain to race the Nordschleife. I hope in the coming years I can do Spa (the Belgian track has a 24-hour race, too), hopefully Le Mans. So, I’m combining stuff. To find other stuff that I find really fun as well.”

He added, “I have my team going on, so I have a lot of distractions. Positive distractions, I would call it.”

Seeking Improvements in F1

Verstappen expressed hope for improvements within F1 to restore his enjoyment and maintain his dominant performance. He confirmed discussions with the FIA and F1 decision-makers regarding potential rule changes to enhance racing with the new cars. Teams are scheduled to discuss possible adjustments to battery charging and energy usage requirements after the Chinese Grand Prix, potentially increasing the power from internal combustion engines.

Verstappen contrasted the political nature of F1 with the more “old-school” and less political environment of sports car racing, where he feels he can be more authentic. He also values the prestige of succeeding in motorsport beyond F1, a pursuit less common in the modern era due to the demanding F1 calendar.

A New Generation Inspired

Verstappen’s ventures are inspiring his colleagues. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, 19, expressed interest in Verstappen’s Nürburgring outing and inquired about testing at the track. Antonelli’s father also owns a Grand Touring racing team, and Antonelli expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of racing alongside Verstappen in an endurance event, stating it would be “pretty awesome.”

Despite the ongoing questions surrounding F1’s racing product, Verstappen’s world extends beyond the F1 paddock, potentially solidifying his legacy as one of motorsport’s all-time greats.