'A lot of stuff to figure out' for Verstappen - and F1's rule-makers
The Red Bull driver's comments come in the context of his dissatisfaction with Formula 1's engine rules, which he believes have diminished the sport's challenge. "You know how I think about a lot of stuff, right? " Verstappen said.
"I don't need to mention it again. So a lot of stuff for me to personally figure out. " Asked to clarify what he meant, the four-time champion said: "Life.
Life here. " The performance of Verstappen and Red Bull at Suzuka on Saturday was a stark contrast with the past few years. Verstappen was beaten in qualifying by his new team-mate Isack Hadjar, who starts eighth.
The Dutchman has won the past five Japanese Grands Prix from pole position, which was claimed this time by Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli. Last year, Verstappen's pole position lap to beat the two McLarens was widely hailed as one of his greatest and it proved the foundation of a defensive victory against Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Red Bull have not started the new season in a competitive position following the biggest rule change in F1 history.
Antonelli beats Russell to Japanese Grand Prix pole At the same time, Verstappen has been vocal about the new rules, which he has likened to "Mario Kart" and "Formula E on steroids" as a result of the new engines. The hybrid engines have a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power and require energy management throughout a qualifying lap which many drivers believe has diminished the challenge of some of the sport's most demanding corners. Verstappen said: "I'm not even frustrated any more.