Max Verstappen explained the origin of all the problems with his starts at the beginning of this 2026 Formula 1 season. In the Chinese GP, he had another very complicated stage.
Read more F1: Sainz comments on the decision to cancel the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs
The competitor’s time in Shanghai was one to forget. In the Sprint race, he finished outside the points zone and in the main race, he couldn’t even cross the finish line, having to retire due to problems.
During interviews over the weekend, the Red Bull competitor pointed out that the poor start was not a surprise, citing the similar experience he had in Australia and in the Sprint.
Read more F1: Antonelli is presented as ‘Kimi Räikkönen’ on the Chinese GP podium
“It was expected, but again, the start was a big problem, just like yesterday [Sprint]. The rest of the race was the same as yesterday: a lot of loss of grip, unable to push, terrible pace, terrible balance… exactly like yesterday. So, yes, a very bad weekend for us,” he explained.
“So, I was out of battery in Melbourne, and here the two problems are the same. I simply have no energy. As soon as I release the clutch, the engine doesn’t respond,” he concluded.
Read more F1: Cadillac’s modest start doesn’t shake Pérez’s optimism
