P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen is furious with F1’s new rules following a disastrous qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix
Max Verstappen reiterated his opposition to the 2026 Formula 1 rules, stating that “the formula is just not correct,” after a crash in Australian Grand Prix qualifying. Following a heated debate in the drivers’ briefing where he criticized the new regulations, Verstappen had a disastrous qualifying session in Melbourne with a heavy crash in Q1 after the car’s rear locked on him. Despite concerns about his hands, he received the all-clear after a medical check and X-rays. Verstappen mentioned that the incident was unprecedented for him in F1 cars and expressed dissatisfaction with the current rules, noting that changes are needed in the sport. He acknowledged Mercedes’ dominating performance in qualifying and expressed the team’s goal to improve and challenge for victories, stating that the gap to Mercedes is significant. Verstappen has the option to start from the pitlane but is unsure about changing the set-up, anticipating a challenging season ahead.
