‘Sugar Rush Racing’: Drivers Hit Out at New F1 ‘Mario Kart’ Era
Drivers and teams warn new hybrid rules cause unusual race tactics, safety issues, and mechanical problems, with 120 overtakes at the Australian Grand Prix, officials said.
- After the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, Formula One drivers warned of 'chaos' after a race where Leclerc said `This is like a mushroom in Mario Kart!` during overtaking.
- The new rules enforce a 50-50 power split under hybrid regulations, requiring constant battery management mid-lap and introducing `super-clipping`, where drivers drop up to 70km/h without braking to harvest energy.
- Oscar Piastri spun and crashed on his lap to the grid citing throttle, gearbox, and battery issues, while a five-second `pre-start` caused huge speed variance among the 22 cars on the grid, triggering a near miss and crash with serious injury.
- Drivers warned of ongoing issues, with Norris saying the cars 'are probably the worst' and urging solutions during this year.
- Rival series chimed in online, with Chip Ganassi Racing mocking the recharge tactic with `Downshifting on straights.` while commentators said much of the overtaking was meaningful.
18 Articles
18 Articles
The new Formula 1 regulation should provide more excitement – but many drivers are far from thrilled. Even after the first race, the FIA is under pressure.
Formula 1 plans peace talks with raging drivers after Verstappen Mario Kart jibe
Formula 1 chiefs plan talks with drivers aimed at quelling a rebellion over its new engine rules after four-time world champion Max Verstappen likened the racing to video game Mario Kart. Verstappen was among the most vociferous after finishing sixth in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, but current title-holder Lando Norris also issued a warning. The biggest changes to the sport’s regulations in generations – including a boost …
Max Verstappen appears in the new Formula 1 as in a video game. However, the four-time world champion of Red Bull and passionate Sim Racer does not want to see this as praise at all after the thrilling start of the season in Australia.
After the biggest reform of its history, Formula 1 did just about 300 kilometres at the Australian Grand Prix, but there are two world champions.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium








