Japanese Grand Prix: Max Verstappen says he is considering his future as he is ‘not enjoying’ new regulations
Verstappen’s dissatisfaction with F1 focuses on the level of energy management required by the new engines.
They need to be recharged several times a lap, causing drivers to lose speed as they approach bends at the end of long straights as the engine’s battery power runs out and begins to recharge.
It also creates a form of racing in which venues change and return again, which has proven attractive to fans and many in the sport.
However, Verstappen said he did not like the fact that the battery charge between the two racing drivers was due to different stages.
Discussing his attempts to beat Alpine driver Pierre Gasly to seventh, Verstappen said: “You can pass here, but you won’t have any battery left for the next straight.
“I tried to just have a look once, but then of course Pierre came right back up to me on the main straight and I think that was basically the story of today. You can pass but then you get passed again. That was basically it.”
Verstappen further elaborated on his thoughts on his future: “I see it this way: When you talk to a lot of athletes about how you’ve been successful, you hear that. It all starts with you really enjoying what you’re doing, before you commit 100%.”
“I think I’m 100% committed right now and I’m still trying, but I think the way I tell myself to give 100% isn’t very healthy right now because I don’t enjoy what I’m doing.
“And now people can easily say, ‘Yes, you’ve won a lot of championships and races and now you’re complaining because your car isn’t good.’ “Maybe you may see it that way, but I see it differently.”
He added that one option might be to race sports cars; He is already planning to participate in the Nurburgring 24 Hours this year.
“I already have many other projects that I am passionate about,” he said. “GT3 racing. Racing not only myself but also with the team. It’s really nice and fun to build that. And I really want to develop it further in the coming years.”
“If I stop here, it doesn’t mean I won’t do anything. I’ll always have fun. I’ll also have fun with a lot of the other things in my life.”
“But to be honest, it’s kind of sad that we’re even talking about it. It is what it is. You don’t have to feel sorry for me. I’ll be fine.”
He hinted that the rule change would make a difference to his decision, citing his potential loss to F1 bosses and the paddock.
“They know what to do,” Verstappen said. he said.
F1 bosses will meet during the four-week break between Japan and the next race in Miami to discuss changes to the rules that will allow drivers to progress unabated in qualifying.
The need to manage energy in a final lap and its impact on driving is unanimously considered a problem that needs to be fixed in F1.
