Formula 1 has been called out by a TikToker for editing an interview with Max Verstappen, in which he criticized the 2026 car regulations.
Verstappen is always someone who gives his blunt opinion on matters, unwilling to hold back his remarks for the sake of sporting politics.
He has clashed with regulatory bodies, not only over the cards but also over being fined for cursing during a media event.
However, in 2026, Verstappen has been getting quite honest about the new ruleset regarding the cars. The Dutch driver has called the new cars “anti-racing” and “Formula E on steroids.”
However, on Thursday before the Chinese Grand Prix, he took it up a level. Verstappen was asked about whether simulator works helps him get used to the new cars, to which he referenced a Nintendo Classic.
“I found a cheaper solution, I swapped the simulator for my Nintendo Switch,” Verstappen said.
“I’m practicing with Mario Kart, actually. Finding the mushrooms is going quite well, the blue shells is a bit more difficult.I’m working on it. The rocket is still not there; it’s coming!”
Following those comments, as pointed out by chris_gp_racing on TikTok, F1 edited the interview and cut out his response to the question.
Additionally, there have been negative comments about the 2026 cars from other drivers who are not getting attention or promotion, though the Mercedes drivers’ positive remarks are.
Verstappen’s points have been echoed by others up and down the grid, calling out the new engines’ energy management and lack of power as a deterrent to racing.
Despite the experience driving the cars, Verstappen does not seem intent on leaving the sport.
“Yeah, I mean, I don’t want to leave really,” Verstappen said. “I wish I had a bit more fun for sure, but I’m also doing other stuff that is a lot of fun. I mean, I get to race the Nordschleife. Hope in the coming years I can do Spa, hopefully Le Mans.
“So, I’m combining stuff to find other stuff that I find really fun as well. So I have a lot of distractions at the same time. Positive distractions I would call it.
“But at the same time, it’s a bit conflicting because I don’t really enjoy driving the car, but I do enjoy working with all the people in the team and from the engine department as well. Yeah, it’s almost like a bit of a mind … I can’t swear!”
