Max Verstappen hits out at F1 rules

Max Verstappen has criticised Formula One's rules.

The young Dutchman has been the subject of much criticism this season for his driving, which led to a rule change after the Japanese Grand Prix.


"Many drivers had a problem with the way I defended under braking," Verstappen said, referring to his battle with Lewis Hamilton in Japan.

"There was a demand for adjusting the rules," he told a column for his sponsor Exact. "Apparently not everyone likes to be challenged sportingly.

"The problem with this kind of rule is that it complicates the sport," Verstappen continued. "Not just for the viewer, but for the stewards as well."

He also spoke out about the decision to award him a penalty for cutting the first corner in Mexico, even though Lewis Hamilton wasn't punnished for a similar incident.

"Lewis Hamilton cut the first corner and was not penalised, which is fine," said Verstappen. "But when I did exactly the same in my fight with Sebastian Vettel, I lost my third place.

"That is a ridiculous situation," he said, "and it indicates that there are some double standards.

"Rules are obviously needed and I will always respect them," insisted Verstappen, "but it's only fair if they are the same for everyone."

Replies (2)

Login to reply
  • Hemex

    Posts: 1,379

    Ferrari initiated a rule change, and are the first to fall into their own trap... And I'm not gloating. On the contrary, I find it sad, unnecessary and stupid. And it won't solve the problem. The penalty for Vettel would never have been awarded prior to the rule change. And it shouldn't have, if it weren't for the rule change. So get rid of it, the sooner the better.

    • + 0
    • Nov 7 2016 - 15:46
  • Im times of James Hunt, Senna and Schumacher, we saw the same actions. The driver was the deciding factor. The rules give drivers a chance to 'pass' someone by using the green table. Just make an avoiding move on the track when the driver in front of you brakes late and makes a defending move and the stewards have to reward the place to you. I don't see the benefit of this

    • + 0
    • Nov 8 2016 - 12:53

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Red Bull Racing
  • Points 3,453
  • Podiums 127
  • Grand Prix 235
  • Country NL
  • Date of b. Sep 30 1997 (28)
  • Place of b. Hasselt (Belgie), NL
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.8 m
Show full profile
show sidebar