Verstappen called for a change in regulations and hinted at leaving.
Oliver Berman's crash on the 21st lap of the Japanese Grand Prix highlighted a problem that many drivers had been discussing even before the start of the season. Berman's exit was a result of the high speed difference between him and Franco Colapinto, whose car unexpectedly slowed down on the rise to the 13th corner due to the activation of the battery charging mode.
The FIA has already released a statement announcing planned meetings to assess the new regulations. In turn, Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen called for adjustments to the regulations for safety reasons before new incidents with more serious consequences occur.
"Such situations [like the one between Berman and Colapinto] happen when one driver is without power and the other has the overtaking mode activated," Max stated after finishing the race in Suzuka. "The speed difference can reach 50-60 km/h, and that is a very serious difference. I have had several instances where the acceleration was too powerful, and I had to move to the side.
It can be very dangerous, as it resembles shifting under braking or just swerving on the straight. This happens during rapid acceleration and can lead to a serious accident.
When it comes to safety, everything can be fixed. You can use the word 'safety' for many different things, but maybe we should use the word 'safety' to enhance safety and finally make some changes."
Max also hinted at a possible exit from Formula 1 after the season ends, confirming in comments to BBC Sport that he is considering various options: "I think about everything that happens in the paddock. In my personal life, I am very happy, but at the same time, I need to wait until 24 races are completed, this year 22, but usually 24.
And then I think – is it really worth it? Maybe I prefer to spend time at home with my family? Maybe I prefer to spend time with friends during those moments when I am not enjoying the sport?
I can easily accept the fact that I finish seventh or eighth, like now. I know very well that it is impossible to constantly dominate, to be first or second, to fight for the podium every time. I am very realistic in this regard and have been in similar situations before.
I have already won in Formula 1, but at the same time, when you are seventh or eighth, and you don't like the reasons why you ended up in such positions, it feels unnatural for a driver.
For example, I am talking about situations when today I suddenly started driving fifteen kilometers per hour slower. I was just counting the laps to the finish – fifteen, ten, five, how much longer!
I was already stuck behind Pierre Gasly in China. In China, I was stuck behind many cars simply because I couldn't overtake properly. Yes, you can overtake, but then on the next straight, you will be out of battery charge.
I try to laugh about all this because constantly being upset is not a solution either."
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Verstappen called for a change in regulations and hinted at leaving.
Max Verstappen called for a revision of the regulations for safety reasons and indicated that he is considering a possible departure from Formula 1 after the season ends.
