Max Verstappen makes it clear: “That’s not what racing should be about”

The fact that the new Formula 1 engines and GP cars are significantly more complex than their predecessors was also evident in Malaysia. A software glitch caused headaches for the engineers and team managers, and forced fans and drivers to take an unscheduled break. And, of course, the drivers were asked about the problems at Sepang whilst in Singapore. Max Verstappen also commented on the recent issues that became apparent at the last Grand Prix.

And the Dutchman from the Red Bull Racing team put it in no uncertain terms: “Normally, you can just set off after the start procedure has taken 3, 4 or 5 seconds. But as you could see, the problem is that there’s a lot going on in the background with the software. That can mean you can’t get away. It can also happen on slow laps.”

“Normally, as soon as you cross the line, you should simply be able to ease off the throttle. And you shouldn’t have to worry about charging the battery or ensuring it has the right power at the right moment – or even right from the start,” insisted the four-time world champion.

A clear wish for the future of Formula 1

And Verstappen also revealed what he’d like to see in the future: “You shouldn’t always have to worry about energy management, about having to lift off the throttle or downshift to use the battery power properly – all those things, basically. That’s not what racing should be about. You should simply be able to use the accelerator and brake pedals, and that should then determine the lap time.”

“The problem is that it’s all very complex,” emphasised the 72-time Grand Prix winner shortly afterwards. “It’s very difficult for everyone. And I just hope that the next rule change will make everything simpler. That you can simply start the car and drive off – just as it used to be. I think that’s what everyone wants. Instead, we have lots of complex scenarios running in the background.”

Topic of the week

A stuttering start to the Bahrain Grand Prix: the FIA narrowly avoids a fiasco like the one in Indianapolis in 2005

Fans could hardly believe their eyes at what they witnessed at the Bahrain Grand Prix: cars crawling along, racing cars that simply came to a standstill. The FIA narrowly avoided a fiasco like the one at Indy in 2005.

Read More

TV Program

Live

Singapur: Rennen Re-Live

FIA Formula One World Championship

11.10.2026 - 18:00