Max's Got A Red Shell For FIA: Verstappen Slanders New F1 Rules As 'Mario Kart'-Like

Last Updated:March 10, 2026, 16:38 IST

Verstappen criticized the 2026 F1 rules, comparing the racing to Mario Kart. He and other drivers, like Norris and Ocon, find the electric-heavy rules chaotic.

Charles Leclerc’s ‘mushroom‘ has become Max Verstappen’s ‘red shell‘ to throw at the FIA.

Following the Australian GP, the Red Bull Racing ace has thrown a red shell at the 2026 regulations, equating the racing on display now to that of Mario Kart.

Despite fighting his way from 20th to sixth place in Melbourne, the Red Bull Racing driver made it clear he was far from impressed with how the new regulations affected the racing.

Electric Power at the Centre of Controversy

The 2026 regulations represent one of the biggest overhauls in F1 history, introducing sweeping changes to both the chassis and power units.

Under the new engine rules, cars rely far more heavily on electric energy — meaning battery management and energy deployment have become crucial elements of race strategy.

That shift has forced drivers into unusual driving techniques — including downshifting on straights to harvest energy and carefully managing boost systems — something many feel detracts from traditional racecraft.

Verstappen said the result was chaotic racing with constant position changes.

“Yeah, chaos," Verstappen told Viaplay. “You pass someone on one straight, and then you can be overtaken again."

He added that while he could defend effectively thanks to better cornering speed, the midfield battles felt unnatural.

“In the midfield, there were definitely Mario Kart-like things happening. If you enjoy that, then okay, but that’s what I do at home when I play Mario Kart."

“For me, I didn’t enjoy the way we raced. It is not really proper."

Growing Driver Frustration

Verstappen is far from alone in his criticism of the new rules.

Lando Norris warned that the energy-heavy racing could become chaotic and potentially dangerous, with cars constantly trading places due to differing battery levels.

Meanwhile, Esteban Ocon described the new generation of cars as “painful" to drive.

The reigning world champion had already voiced his concerns during pre-season testing, previously calling the concept “anti-racing" and likening it to Formula E on steroids.

“If it’s drivers, fans, we just want the best for the sport," Verstappen said.

“It’s not that we are critical just to be critical. We are critical for a reason. We want it to be Formula 1, proper Formula 1 on steroids."

“Today, again, that was not the case."

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