{"id":525443,"date":"2026-03-15T18:39:56","date_gmt":"2026-03-15T18:39:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/525443\/"},"modified":"2026-03-15T18:39:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T18:39:56","slug":"max-verstappen-in-a-horror-show-toto-wolff-responds-to-2026-f1-criticism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/525443\/","title":{"rendered":"Max Verstappen \u201cin a horror show\u201d \u2013 Toto Wolff responds to 2026 F1 criticism"},"content":{"rendered":"

After the Chinese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen<\/a> once again voiced his strong dissatisfaction with the new Formula 1 regulations. The Dutchman said that fans who enjoy this type of on-track action \u201cdon’t understand racing\u201d and that the new ruleset is fundamentally flawed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not fun at all. It\u2019s playing Mario Kart. This is not racing,\u201d he claimed after the race.<\/p>\n

Read Also:<\/p>\n

According to Verstappen, drivers should have been listened to earlier, especially as he had already warned about potential problems during the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix \u2013 after his first simulator runs based on the 2026 regulations.<\/p>\n

Mercedes<\/a> boss Toto Wolff, however, believes Verstappen\u2019s criticism is partly related to the situation at Red Bull.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

On Sunday, the four-time world champion once again had a dramatic start, entering the first corner in 16th place. Verstappen fought his way back up the order, but a DNF completed a rather frustrating weekend in Shanghai.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, Max is really in a horror show,\u201d Wolff told media including Motorsport.com. \u201cWhen you look at the onboard that he had in qualifying yesterday, that is just horrendous to drive. And you can see that, but it\u2019s not the same with many other teams.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lift and coast hard to accept for \u2018full attack guy\u2019 Verstappen<\/p>\n

The Mercedes team boss added that the race in Shanghai was actually quite entertaining, especially due to the battle between both Ferraris and George Russell<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Toto <\/p>\n

Toto Wolff, Mercedes<\/p>\n

Photo by: Martin Keep \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom an entertainment perspective, I believe that what we’ve seen today between Ferrari<\/a> and Mercedes was good racing \u2013 many overtakes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were all part of Formula 1 when there was no overtaking, literally. Sometimes we’re too nostalgic about the good old years, but I think the product is good in itself. We saw quite some racing in the midfield also, and that is, I think, the positive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wolff does acknowledge that certain aspects of the 2026 regulations can be improved \u2013 including lift and coast in qualifying. That looked particularly painful during qualifying in Melbourne, where drivers lost a lot of speed towards Turn 9 due to super clipping.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, from a driver’s standpoint, when it comes to the balls-out qualifying lap, that is different. Clearly, lift and coast in qualifying, I’m sure for someone like Max, who is a full attack guy, it’s difficult to cope and digest.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it’s more, I would say, a car-specific issue that kind of magnifies the problem. Because if you sit in front of a TV or in front of a screen, even Max would say that was interesting racing in the front.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Max <\/p>\n

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing<\/p>\n

Photo by: Lars Baron \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the data say that fans love it\u201d<\/p>\n

After the Australian Grand Prix, Wolff already said that the opinions of drivers ultimately \u2013 certainly for F1 boss Stefano Domenicali \u2013 are secondary to what fans think. And in that respect, the Mercedes team boss says the early signals are positive.<\/p>\n

\u201cQualifying flat-out would be nice. But when 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 likes the sport at the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, yes, we can always look at how we’re improving it. But at the moment, all the indicators say, and all the data say, that people love it. And that’s why I spoke with Stefano, he says that too. So it is driving the car that, for some, is not most pleasant.\u201d<\/p>\n

Photos from Chinese GP – Sunday<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Andrea<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Alexander<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Oscar<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Alexandra<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Max<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Oliver<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Lando<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Isack<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Arvid<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Pierre<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Sergio<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Muni<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Gene<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"George<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Fans<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Lewis<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Max<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"George<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Charles<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Charles<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Andrea<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Arvid<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Esteban<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Lewis<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Pierre<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Charles<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Andrea<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Isack<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Lewis<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Max<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"George<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Lewis<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Start<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Charles<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Charles<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Carlos<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Max<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Charles<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Lance<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Max<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Lance<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Pierre<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Esteban<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Esteban<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Esteban<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Lewis<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Andrea<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Charles<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Max<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Liam<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Charles<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Andrea<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Andrea<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Andrea<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Lewis<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Andrea<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Lewis<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Lewis<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Lewis<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Andrea<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Lewis<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Lewis<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Andrea<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"George<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Andrea<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"Andrea<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n

\"George<\/p>\n


\n
\n Chinese GP – Sunday, in photos
\n
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Read Also:<\/p>\n

We want your opinion!<\/p>\n

What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?<\/p>\n

Take our 5 minute survey.<\/a><\/p>\n

– The Motorsport.com Team<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"After the Chinese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen once again voiced his strong dissatisfaction with the new Formula 1…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":525444,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[236602,236603,1080,7193,236601,8914,5028,99],"class_list":["post-525443","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-chinese-gp","tag-f1-chinese-grand-prix","tag-formula-1","tag-max-verstappen","tag-max-verstappen-u201cin-a-horror-showu201d-u2013-toto-wolff-responds-to-2026-f1-criticism","tag-mercedes","tag-red-bull-racing","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/525443","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=525443"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/525443\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/525444"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=525443"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=525443"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=525443"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}