Four-time world champion Max Verstappen launched a sharp critique of the new Formula One cars, calling them “anti-racing” during pre-season testing in Bahrain on Thursday.

Verstappen completed 136 laps in his Red Bull Racing on Wednesday, recording the second-fastest time of the day, before observing new teammate Isack Hadjar take to the track.

Speaking at his first press conference of the year, Verstappen expressed disappointment with this season’s rule changes, which have overhauled chassis and engines and emphasized energy management.

“To drive, they are not a lot of fun, to be honest,” he said. “I would say the right word is management. It’s not very Formula One-like. It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids. But the rules are the same for everyone, so you have to deal with that.”

Formula E comparisons and “anti-racing”

Verstappen’s main frustration is the increased level of input required from the driver.

“As a pure driver, I enjoy driving flat out, and at the moment, you cannot drive like that. There’s a lot going on. A lot of what you do as a driver, in terms of inputs, has a massive effect on the energy side of things. For me, that’s just not Formula 1,” he said.

“Maybe it’s then better to drive Formula E, right? Because that’s all about energy, efficiency, and management,” he added, referencing the all-electric series.

Despite his criticisms, Verstappen acknowledged he likes the new cars’ appearance. “Honestly, the proportion of the car looks good, I think,” he said. “That’s not the problem. It’s just everything else that is a bit, for me, anti-racing.”

He also tempered his remarks in recognition of the engineers and designers adapting to the new regulations.

“On the other hand, I also know how much work has been going on in the background, also from the engine side, for the guys,” Verstappen said. “So, it’s not always the nicest thing to say, but I also want to be realistic as a driver.”

Red Bull is running its own factory-built power units this season, having parted ways with Honda.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion, also weighed in on Wednesday, urging the FIA to clarify rule interpretations to ensure all 11 teams start “on an equal playing field.”

On Thursday, Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets in his Ferrari after 128 laps. Lando Norris, fastest on Wednesday, was second with 139 laps in his McLaren, while George Russell was third quickest in his Mercedes.