Max Verstappen has given his initial reaction to the brand new Formula 1 regulations, commenting that driving the cars makes it feel like “Formula E on steroids.”
The Dutchman has already impressed in the new Red Bull RB21, having set the second-fastest time on Monday of the first official pre-season test in Bahrain.
Verstappen’s running has left many impressed with Red Bull’s showing so far, believing that the team perhaps offers a greater challenge to the title than previously thought.
Naturally, with new regulations comes new adaptation, and for Verstappen and his time in the sport, this is perhaps the biggest change he has faced in his F1 career.
When asked what his first feelings of the new cars were, the four-time World Champion was characteristically honest about his impressions so far.
“To drive? To drive, not a lot of fun, to be honest,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“I would say the right word is management. But on the other hand, I also know how much work has been going on in the background, also from the engine side, for the guys. So it’s not always the nicest thing to say, but I also want to be realistic.
“As a driver, the feeling is not very Formula 1-like.It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids. But the rules are the same for everyone, so you have to deal with that, and that’s also not my problem, because I’m all for that, equal chances. I don’t mind that, but as a pure driver, I enjoy driving flat out, and at the moment you cannot drive like that.There’s a lot going on.”
Max Verstappen ‘to give it my very best’ despite ‘not so fun’ assessment of new F1 cars
Verstappen has already been noted for perhaps getting used to the finer art of driving these cars quicker than some already, and remarked that whilst he is perhaps displeased with how he needs to drive, he will do so to ensure a successful season, and to do right by his team.
“A lot of what you do as a driver in terms of inputs have a massive effect on the energy side of things,” he said. “For me, that’s just not Formula 1. Maybe it’s then better to drive Formula E, because that’s all about energy, efficiency and management, and that’s what they stand for.
“Driving-wise, it’s not so fun, but at the same time, I also know what is at stake with the team, our own engine, and seeing the excitement of the people.
“Of course, when I sit in the car, I will always give it my very best. They know that. But the excitement level is not so high to drive.”
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