Criticism of the current Formula 1 regulations continues to grow among drivers and paddock members, while the FIA (International Automobile Federation) states that it remains in dialogue with teams to evaluate possible changes. Amid this scenario, the 1992 world champion, Nigel Mansell, came to the defense of Max Verstappen, who has been questioned both for his opinions and rumors of retirement.
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In an interview with Sky Sports F1, the Briton rejected the possibility of the Dutchman leaving the category: “No, no, no. Max is giving his opinion. He is a class driver. He is an incredible world champion. What he has done in the last five years is amazing. He almost won the championship last year.”
Mansell also supported the straightforward stance of the Red Bull four-time world champion, despite acknowledging some exaggeration: “He is correctly expressing how he feels. Maybe he was a bit too emphatic. But Lando [Norris] and many other drivers – and if you talk to Oliver Bearman about what happened to him in Japan – [the rules] just need adjustments.”
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The former Scuderia Ferrari driver also criticized technical aspects of the current rules, such as energy recovery, which reduces the speed of the cars: “All this energy recovery, entering fast corners and reducing speed by 50 to 70 kilometers per hour, that is not Formula 1. Formula 1 is drivers showing their talents and being able to drive the car, and not having drivers… Alonso was very funny, saying: ‘My chef can drive the car’.”
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