– Max Verstappen once again emphasized during the Formula 1 China weekend that he is not enjoying the new regulations of the premier class. Among other things, the four-time world champion said there are certainly fans who like the “new” Formula 1, “but then they don’t understand anything about racing.”
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Expert Ralf Schumacher is of the opinion that the Dutchman is doing no one a favor with his public criticism. “I know what Max means,” says the six-time Grand Prix winner on Sky about the background of Verstappen’s criticism.
He says that currently one can “no longer go full throttle” through many corners, which has made Formula 1 “easier” and “significantly slower.” “And that is naturally frustrating,” says Schumacher, who thus shows quite a bit of understanding for Verstappen’s views.
“On the other hand, he has a great responsibility [towards Red Bull],” Schumacher emphasizes and explains: “He has shown that he is actually the fastest racing driver in Formula 1.” Furthermore, the Dutchman has also proven in the past that he is “a good team player.”
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But now he must prove that he is also capable of “bringing a team that is in trouble forward. And I only recommend that he stop with these superfluous comments, comparisons with Super Mario and so on,” says Schumacher.
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In the official FIA press conference on Thursday before the China race, Verstappen joked that he now prefers to rely on Mario Kart rather than a Formula 1 simulator to prepare for the races. “I don’t think that helps anyone,” says Schumacher.
For Verstappen, the time has now come to “give something back” to Red Bull, says the expert, who in this context also critically questions Verstappen’s excursions to the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. The Dutchman will compete in the 24-hour race there in May.
“You can do that, but you don’t have to,” says Schumacher, who is of the opinion that Verstappen should now focus fully on bringing Red Bull forward again in Formula 1. After the first two races of the season, the Bulls are only in fifth place in the World Championship.
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