Max Verstappen said the new Formula 1 cars introduced this season are “less fun” to drive due to increased energy-management demands. Speaking ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver said the balance between combustion and electrical power is changing driving styles, though discussions with F1 and the FIA are ongoing to improve the regulations.
The four-time world champion spoke during media day ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, only days after recovering from 20th on the grid to finish sixth at the Australian Grand Prix.
Energy Management Changing How Drivers Approach a Lap
The current Formula 1 power units are designed with a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, placing greater emphasis on how drivers deploy battery energy during a lap.
According to Verstappen, that shift has altered the nature of the driving challenge.
“I am a bit conflicted, because I don't really enjoy to drive the car but I do enjoy working with the team,” the Red Bull driver said.
“I don't want to leave [F1] but I also hope of course it gets better. I have had discussions with F1 and the FIA and we are working towards something that will hopefully improve everything.”
Teams must carefully manage battery charge to ensure maximum performance at the most critical parts of the circuit, particularly long straights where electrical power deployment provides a major speed advantage.
The result is that some corners are now used strategically to recharge the battery rather than push the car to the limit.
Drivers Highlight the Changing Nature of the Challenge
Several drivers have noted how the new systems are reshaping the skill set required in Formula 1.
Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso said the sport’s most famous high-speed corners used to demand bravery and precision.
Corners such as Turn 12 in Bahrain, the high-speed sections in Melbourne, and Suzuka’s 130R traditionally tested the physical limits of both car and driver.
Now, Alonso said, those same sections are sometimes used to recover electrical energy rather than maximize lap speed.
“It is a different challenge,” the two-time world champion said, adding that drivers today must manage energy rather than simply attack the corners.
Despite the change, Alonso noted he still enjoys racing in the modern era while acknowledging that the earlier style of driving required a different level of risk.
New Power-Unit Strategy Influencing Overtaking Battles
McLaren driver Lando Norris said the updated rules require a “very, very different style of driving”.
Drivers can still influence performance by controlling how the power unit deploys energy, but raw cornering speed may no longer be the decisive factor in some situations.
Using Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps circuit as an example, Norris said that instead of deciding who is brave enough through the fast Pouhon corner, drivers may now focus on precisely lifting the throttle to manage energy levels.
This approach is closely linked to a technique known as “clipping”, where teams intentionally reduce engine output in certain sections of a track in order to recharge the battery.
Strategic Racing Emerges Under the New System
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc offered a more positive view of the changes after his race-long duel with Mercedes driver George Russell at the Australian Grand Prix.
Both drivers repeatedly used the new electrical “boost” and “overtake” modes during the early stages of the race, producing several lead changes.
Leclerc said he had enjoyed the strategic element of the battle, even though the new regulations have affected qualifying laps.
“In qualifying it is less enjoyable,” Leclerc said, referring to increased clipping during single-lap runs.
“But the racing I kind of enjoyed that strategic approach when I was racing against George.”
Early Season Review Could Bring Rule Adjustments
Formula 1 officials originally planned to review the impact of the new regulations after the first three races of the season.
However, there is now a possibility that discussions could take place sooner, potentially after this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.
George Russell, who won the season-opening race in Melbourne, suggested teams and drivers should give the system more time before pushing for immediate changes.
The Mercedes driver said the characteristics of each circuit will influence how noticeable the energy-management effects are for fans.
Melbourne’s layout, with four long straights, required teams to carefully distribute energy across multiple sections of the track. Different circuits may produce different racing dynamics.
Attention Turns to Shanghai
The Chinese Grand Prix will provide the next opportunity to assess how the new Formula 1 regulations affect racing.
Teams and drivers will continue gathering data while discussions between Formula 1, the FIA and competitors remain ongoing.
Will the new engine era evolve into a more balanced blend of strategy and driver skill as the season develops?