Wolff Attributes Verstappen’s Difficulties to Car Performance
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has rejected criticism of the new Formula One regulations, attributing Max Verstappen’s dissatisfaction to the underperformance of his Red Bull car rather than the rules themselves. Verstappen, a four-time world champion, has been vocal about his displeasure with the current regulations, particularly following his retirement from the Chinese Grand Prix.
Verstappen has criticized the emphasis on electrical energy deployment and recovery, describing the racing experience negatively. He stated,
“If someone likes this, then you really don’t know what racing is like. Not fun at all. This is not racing and I would say the same if I would be winning races because I care about the racing product.”
Mercedes’ Dominance in Early Season Races
Mercedes has secured one-two finishes in the first two Grands Prix of the season. Notably, 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli achieved his first Formula One victory in China on Sunday. The Mercedes car has demonstrated superior performance, featuring a powerful engine and excellent balance, making it the strongest contender on the grid.
Wolff suggested that Verstappen’s frustrations stem largely from the Red Bull car’s shortcomings. The vehicle has, at best, ranked as the fourth-fastest in the opening rounds and has been difficult to handle, as acknowledged by Verstappen himself. Wolff remarked,
“Max is really, I think, in a horror show. When you look at the onboard he has in qualifying, this is just horrendous to drive.”
Assessment of New Regulations After China GP
Formula One officials had planned to review the regulations following the Chinese Grand Prix to address driver concerns. However, the race was widely regarded as successful, featuring a competitive battle between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, with overtaking and close racing throughout the field. The event was well received by spectators.
Hamilton described the race as
“the best racing I’ve ever experienced in Formula One.”While the regulatory review meeting is still expected to occur, any decisions on adjustments will likely be postponed until after the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, scheduled in two weeks. This race precedes a five-week break before the Miami Grand Prix.
Wolff’s Perspective on Racing Quality and Fan Engagement
Wolff emphasized that, from an impartial viewpoint, the Chinese Grand Prix delivered quality entertainment. He stated,
“From an entertainment perspective, I believe what we’ve seen between Ferrari and Mercedes was good racing, many overtakes.”
He reflected on past seasons with limited overtaking, noting,
“We were all part of when there was no overtaking. Sometimes we’re too nostalgic about the good old years, but the product is good in itself. We saw quite some racing in the midfield also and that is the positive.”
Wolff also highlighted the importance of fan reactions over drivers’ opinions, noting that Formula One and its CEO Stefano Domenicali prioritize spectator engagement. He explained,
“You look at the fans and the excitement that is there live, the cheering when there are overtakes and also on social media, the younger fans, the vast majority through all the demographics like the sport at the moment.”
He concluded,
“We can always look at how we’re improving it but all the indicators say, and all the data say, that people love it. That’s why I spoke with Stefano, he says that too.”
