Former Formula 1 designer Gary Anderson has backed the criticism made by Max Verstappen regarding the category’s current regulations. After the Chinese GP, the four-time Red Bull champion once again showed frustration with recent rules, going as far as to state that current F1 is “fundamentally flawed” and again comparing the races to the game Mario Kart.
Read more F1: Kelly Piquet shares photo of Lily with Verstappen cushion
In a column published in The Telegraph, Anderson stated he agrees with Verstappen’s assessment and advocated for changes in the sport. “A balance must be found. Sport can be fun, but entertainment is not sport. The scales have tipped too far in the wrong direction. I am not satisfied with this and I don’t think it’s right for F1. It’s something difficult to balance, but something must be done to change this situation, both in the short and long term.”
Anderson also presented possible solutions to the problem. In the short term, he suggested reducing the amount of electrical energy available to drivers and controlling its use more strictly. Limiting the battery would help the energy last longer in each stint and decrease the need for “lift-and-coast”.
Read more F1: Honda problems affect Aston Martin and lead to a joke from Alonso
Another proposal would be to make the delivery of additional power more progressive. Instead of the current “all or nothing” system, he argues that power should increase gradually as drivers request more energy, which could prevent sudden skids and reduce the system’s influence on overtaking.
Anderson also mentioned an idea presented by commentator Karun Chandhok. The proposal suggests separating the main motorsport categories according to their engine philosophy: Formula E would remain fully electric, the World Endurance Championship — including the 24 Hours of Le Mans — would remain hybrid, and Formula 1 would return to naturally aspirated internal combustion engines. According to Anderson, this division would be easier for fans to understand and could attract millions of viewers around the world.
Read more F1: Wolff celebrates Antonelli’s talent and calls for less pressure from the Italian press
