Max Verstappen ‘training for F1 on Mario Kart’ – yet prefers to stay
Max Verstappen has humorously mentioned that he has resorted to ‘Mario Kart’ for practice in Formula 1 due to the criticized new cars, yet he emphasizes that he does not “want to leave” the sport despite his dissatisfaction.
Verstappen, a four-time world champion, has been a prominent critic of the 2026 vehicles, which emphasize battery management, leading him to label F1 as “anti-racing” and akin to “Formula E on steroids” earlier this year.
During the initial Australian GP, Charles Leclerc remarked during his contest with George Russell that it felt “like the mushroom in Mario Kart,” which grants the racer a surge of speed. Verstappen referenced the game in Thursday’s press conference in Shanghai when questioned about whether drivers utilizing the simulator have a greater advantage than before.
“I found a more economical solution; I traded the simulator for my Nintendo Switch,” Verstappen stated. “I’m actually practicing with Mario Kart. Finding the mushrooms is going quite well, but the blue shells are a bit trickier.
“I’m working on it. The rocket is still not there, but it’s on its way!”
Verstappen, whose contract with Red Bull concludes in 2028, has often expressed uncertainty regarding his future in F1—prior to the season opener, he noted that the new cars aren’t “helping” him remain in the sport for the long term.
However, after F1 chief Stefano Domenicali expressed confidence that Verstappen would not depart, the Dutch driver confirmed that leaving was not part of his intentions.
“Yeah, I mean, I don’t want to leave really,” Verstappen, 28, remarked.
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“I wish I could have a bit more enjoyment for sure, but I’m also engaged in other activities that are quite enjoyable. I mean, I get to race at the Nordschleife. I hope to participate in Spa and hopefully Le Mans in the coming years. So, I’m balancing various activities to find other things that I find really enjoyable as well. Thus, I have numerous distractions at the same time. Positive distractions, I would call them.
“Yet, at the same time, it’s somewhat conflicting because I don’t particularly enjoy driving the car, but I do appreciate collaborating with all the team members and the engine department as well. Yeah, it’s almost like a bit of a mental … I can’t swear!”
Verstappen then disclosed that he had conversations with F1’s leadership regarding adjustments to the regulations.
“I don’t want to leave, but I also hope, of course, that things improve,” he added. “And I know, I mean, I’ve had discussions with FOM and FIA.
“I certainly hope not for the next few years, but I am optimistic that for next year we can already achieve a significant improvement. There are several options that we are currently discussing.”
Source: espn.com
