Verstappen Practices F1 in Mario Kart and Assures: “I Don’t Want to Leave F1”

Verstappen jokes about Mario Kart to practice in F1, but reiterates his commitment to the sport

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has turned to the popular video game Mario Kart for practice due to the new regulations for the 2026 cars, which have generated controversy. Despite his reservations, the Dutch driver has made it clear that he has no intention of abandoning the competition. Verstappen, known for his four world titles, has been one of the most critical voices regarding the 2026 cars, which prioritize battery management. The driver went so far as to describe F1 as “anti-racing” and similar to “Formula E with steroids” earlier this year. During the Australian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc commented that the battle with George Russell felt “like the mushroom in Mario Kart”, referring to the acceleration boost provided by the object in the game. Verstappen, when asked about the advantage of simulators, responded with humor in the press conference in Shanghai.

I found a cheaper solution, I swapped the simulator for my Nintendo Switch. I’m practicing with Mario Kart, in fact. Finding the mushrooms is going quite well, the blue shells are a bit more difficult. I’m working on it. The rocket isn’t here yet; it’s coming!

Max Verstappen

Verstappen, whose contract with Red Bull expires in 2028, has expressed doubts about his future in F1, going so far as to state before the start of the season that the new cars “don’t help him” to stay in the sport long-term. However, after the statements by Stefano Domenicali, head of F1, who expressed confidence that Verstappen would not leave, the driver confirmed that he has no plans to do so.

Yes, I don’t really want to leave. I wish I could have a little more fun, but I also do other things that are very fun. I can run at Nordschleife. I hope that in the next few years I can do Spa, hopefully Le Mans. So I’m combining things to find other things that are also very fun for me. I have many distractions at the same time. Positive distractions, I would call it.

Max Verstappen

Verstappen also revealed that he has held conversations with F1 executives about possible modifications to the regulations.

I don’t want to leave, but I also hope, of course, that it improves. And I know I’ve had conversations with the FOM and the FIA. I definitely hope not for the next few years, but I hope that by next year we can make a decent improvement. But there are some options we are discussing.

Max Verstappen