Max Verstappen has been criticised in Germany, with a respected Formula 1 journalist labelling the Red Bull star “childish” – The criticism surrounding Formula 1’s current regulations continues to divide opinion. However, respected German journalist Michael Schmidt believes that some of the negativity is being amplified by Verstappen himself.
The veteran Auto Motor und Sport reporter has accused the four-time world champion of fuelling frustration among fans, describing some of Verstappen’s recent comments about his future in the sport as “childish”.
Debate around Formula 1’s 2026 regulations has intensified throughout the opening phase of the season. Drivers and fans have expressed concerns about the current energy deployment systems, overtaking dynamics, and the increasing importance of battery management during races.
Following the widely criticised Japanese Grand Prix weekend, the FIA has reacted to the criticism by making amendments to the regulations and beginning discussions over more extensive changes for 2027.
However, Schmidt believes that the backlash against the current era of Formula 1 has become exaggerated.
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Michael Schmidt defends current Formula 1 regulations
Speaking on Formel Schmidt, the German journalist argued that many critics are overlooking how evenly the current systems are applied across the grid.
“People are partly failing to do justice to the current situation,” he explained.
“It’s not the case that the energy from the electric power can be used unfairly. Everyone has the same amount of energy and can use as many kilowatts as they want. It all depends on how you recover the energy and where you deploy it again. It’s up to the drivers.”
Schmidt also dismissed complaints about the so-called ‘yo-yo effect’, whereby cars rapidly accelerate and decelerate depending on their energy deployment strategy.
“This yo-yo effect hasn’t really bothered me,” he added.
“I also see that sometimes someone makes a move because they’re using more energy, but that comes at a price too. So it’s not unfair. DRS was far more unfair. In that case, the attacker had DRS and the other driver had nothing at all.”
The discussion emerged after multiple drivers publicly criticised the current racing product earlier this season, with Verstappen being one of the most outspoken.
Verstappen’s influence on fans has been questioned
Schmidt believes that leading drivers have an enormous influence on public opinion and compared Verstappen’s impact to that of football superstars in shaping debates within their own sport.
“The problem is simply that if the drivers say it’s crap, people believe them,” he said.
When Verstappen’s name was brought directly into the conversation, Schmidt acknowledged the Red Bull driver’s honesty, but suggested that the Dutchman often presents situations too negatively.
“The man we both have in mind is Max Verstappen. He is very direct. That’s good, but sometimes everything seems bad. That’s just how he is. At least, that’s how it comes across.”
The discussion then shifted towards Verstappen’s recent comments suggesting that he could reconsider his long-term future in Formula 1 if future rule changes fail to improve the racing.
“That’s a bit childish of him,” Schmidt responded
“He’ll just have to bite the bullet. If everyone’s just tailgating each other, they can drive at the limit, but that doesn’t make for good racing either.”
Nürburgring comparisons were dismissed
Schmidt also dismissed comparisons that Verstappen recently made between Formula 1 and his widely publicised appearance around the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
The Dutchman arrived in Canada visibly enthusiastic after participating in Nürburgring-related activities, repeatedly praising the challenge of the legendary German circuit.
However, Schmidt believes the comparison between Formula 1 and the Nordschleife is fundamentally flawed.
“He can’t compare it to the Nürburgring,” he explained.
“That’s a completely different circuit. There, he can still drive around on his own, and it remains fun because the circuit is so cool. Then people watch too.”
“On Formula 1 circuits, spectators lose interest if there are no position changes, and they know in advance who is going to win.”
The debate over the direction of Formula 1 is unlikely to disappear anytime soon, especially as the FIA is already exploring further regulatory changes for 2027. Verstappen remains one of the sport’s most influential figures, but comments from respected individuals such as Schmidt demonstrate that there is a growing resistance to the increasingly negative narrative surrounding the current generation of Formula 1 drivers.
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