Hamilton: “F1 is better than ever”. Verstappen disagrees about new rules

Hamilton Celebrates New F1 Regulations, Verstappen Expresses Criticism

The driver Lewis Hamilton has expressed his enthusiasm for the new Formula 1 cars, describing the racing experience as “how it should be”. These statements arise in contrast to the criticisms of Max Verstappen, who has expressed his dissatisfaction with the recent modifications to the vehicles. The new F1 regulations have introduced hybrid engines with a 50-50 distribution between combustion and electric energy, placing a strong emphasis on battery management and power deployment. Hamilton and his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, had an exciting battle at the Chinese Grand Prix, but not everyone shares the same opinion.

“It’s terrible, if someone likes this, then they really don’t know what racing is about. It’s not fun at all. It’s like playing Mario Kart. This is not competing. You’re boosting, then you run out of battery on the next straight, you get boosted again. For me, it’s just a joke,” commented Verstappen.

Max Verstappen

Hamilton, for his part, after obtaining his first podium with Ferrari in China, stated that it was the best race he remembered. The seven-time world champion continued to praise the new cars before the Japanese Grand Prix. Hamilton compared the new battles to those of karting, highlighting the constant exchange of positions. “It’s the best way to compete, and Formula 1 hasn’t been the best way to compete in a long, long time. Finally you have a car, of all the cars I’ve driven in 20 years, this is the only car with which you can really follow at high speed and not lose everything, and you can stay behind,” he added.

Hamilton highlighted that, despite the differences in power, the cars now allow for greater closeness and competition. “Personally, I find it much more fun, because it’s the greatest number of overtakes and the best battle I’ve probably had since Bahrain years ago with Nico Rosberg. That’s how racing should be, it should be back and forth. Personally, I like that kind of racing,” he concluded. Verstappen’s criticisms of the cars have been a recurring theme this season. World champion Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso have also expressed their dissatisfaction. Hamilton suggested that Verstappen’s criticisms might be related to the lack of competitiveness of his team, Red Bull.

When asked why he enjoys cars while Verstappen doesn’t, Hamilton replied: “I don’t have to use the word love. I just say I’m enjoying the races. Naturally, when you have a good car and you’re competitive, it’s nice to be at the front.

“He’s had that for the last four or five years. It’s been pretty quiet for him. This is the first year, but I can’t answer that. He’s not enjoying it as much. It’s definitely very different. I think a lot of drivers aren’t liking it, but I don’t really know. Personally, I’m enjoying it. It’s a lighter car. They’re more agile. They’re more fun to drive. Do I love the power deployment? Absolutely not. Do I love the active aerodynamics? Not particularly, but overall I think it’s exciting for the sport at a time when the sport is at its highest.” “Visually, in terms of brand, it has the highest revenue it’s ever had. The F1 movie has been incredible with an Oscar. It’s a good time when a lot of people are watching and we’re actually having some battles instead of the sessions where you’re just watching cars go around every time. Everyone is going to have an opinion every time you change a car. Some people don’t like it, you can’t please everyone. If our car suddenly becomes a nightmare to drive, maybe it won’t be so enjoyable, but the fact is that we’re having a good fight with the opportunity to fight for victories. That’s always part of it.”