Max Verstappen Criticizes F1’s New Racing Style Fans as ‘Not Real’

Max Verstappen hit out at the new Formula 1 package after a difficult Chinese Grand Prix weekend. He said drivers and fans are divided over the sport’s fresh racing style, and called some supporters “not real”.

Weekend summary in China

Kimi Antonelli won the Chinese Grand Prix. George Russell finished second to give Mercedes a 1-2 result under the new rules. Lewis Hamilton took third, earning his first podium for Ferrari.

Verstappen managed ninth in Saturday’s sprint. He then retired from Sunday’s main race. Team engineers identified a cooling fault in the car’s electrical energy recovery system.

On-track behaviour and “yo-yo” passes

The races in Australia and China featured many so-called “yo-yo” passes. Lando Norris coined the phrase to describe short bursts of overtaking using battery energy. Drivers then quickly lose that boost and are often repassed soon after.

Max Verstappen said the new dynamics felt artificial and likened some action to a video game. Fernando Alonso called 2026 “this battery world championship.” Aston Martin are also struggling with a severe vibration issue. That problem has been damaging their batteries.

Split among competitors

Opinions are split along performance lines. Drivers doing well under the new rules praise the closer racing. Others, including several leading names, say the format undermines traditional craft.

Team and governing reactions

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said the on-track product looked strong. The FIA and F1 leadership are monitoring feedback closely. Rule changes remain possible to alter the electrical and combustion power balance.

Reducing electrical deployment could shorten recharge windows. That would limit the need to lift in high-speed corners and at straights’ ends.

History and consequences

Verstappen has voiced concerns since 2023. Early engine tests at manufacturer simulators already raised alarms. Red Bull pushed issues then, with input from former team principal Christian Horner.

Those warnings were dismissed by some as political. McLaren later rose strongly in 2024 and 2025. Verstappen warned that continuing to prioritise the current style risks alienating long-standing fans and damaging the sport’s appeal.

Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments as teams and the FIA debate potential technical changes.