Verstappen grows more pessimistic ahead of Chinese GP
Max Verstappen predicts more problems with F1's new regulations at the Chinese Grand Prix, citing the track's long straights as a perfect scenario for the 'super clipping' issues seen in Melbourne. The champion driver remains a vocal critic of the current racing format.
Max Verstappen has doubled down on his criticism of Formula 1's new regulations, offering a bleak outlook for the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix by highlighting the circuit's long straights as a major concern. The Red Bull driver's frustration stems from the 'super clipping' issue that forced drivers to lift off the throttle in Melbourne, a problem he fears will be exacerbated in Shanghai.
Why it matters:
As a reigning champion and one of the sport's most prominent voices, Verstappen's persistent criticism puts significant pressure on the FIA and F1 to address perceived flaws in the new technical rules. His comments suggest the core issue of excessive energy recovery and deployment management—dubbed 'Mario Kart' driving by some—may not be circuit-specific but a fundamental challenge, potentially affecting the quality of racing at high-speed tracks.
The Details:
- Following the Australian GP, Verstappen bluntly dismissed hopes for improvement in China, responding to a question with, "Have you seen the straight there?" referencing Shanghai's long back straight.
- He agreed with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc that the racing in Melbourne involved "Mario Kart-like things happening in the midfield," a critique of the unpredictable energy deployment and recovery cycles.
- The main technical issue is 'super clipping,' where the car's hybrid system cannot harvest or deploy energy efficiently, forcing drivers to lift and coast significantly to manage the battery.
- This was particularly evident between Turns 8 and 9 at Albert Park, disrupting the natural racing flow and driver rhythm.
What's next:
All eyes will be on the Shanghai International Circuit to see if Verstappen's predictions hold true. The circuit's combination of long straights and heavy braking zones will be the ultimate test for the 2026 power unit regulations in their current form. If the 'super clipping' and lift-and-coast issues are as pronounced as feared, it will likely intensify calls for regulatory tweaks before the major 2026 overhaul.