Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff Blames Red Bull's Performance on Criticism of Verstappen's New F1 Car

The debate around the new F1 2026 regulations continues in China after the latest outburst from Max Verstappen.

Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff, believes that Red Bull's "frightening" car is behind Verstappen's ongoing protests against the new regulations.

The four-time world champion has been one of the biggest critics of the new regulations, saying that people who enjoy racing with the current cars are not "true fans".

His negative sentiment towards the current F1 cars also comes at a time when Red Bull are struggling with their performance, which continued at the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend.

Meanwhile, Mercedes and Ferrari emerged as the dominant forces in the first two rounds with the new regulation.

However, Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff, believes that Red Bull's car problem "exacerbates" Verstappen's concerns about the new regulations.

"I think Max is having a nightmare," Wolff told the press on Sunday in Shanghai after Kimi Antonelli's first win.

"If you look at the onboard footage during qualifying yesterday, his car is very frightening to drive, and you can see it.

"But it's not the same for many other teams. From an entertainment perspective, I think, with what we see today between Ferrari and Mercedes, it's a good race, a lot of overtaking.

"We've all been part of F1 when there was no overtaking, and sometimes we're too nostalgic about the good old days.

"But I think the product is good, and we've also seen some good racing in the midfield.

"I think that's positive. Now, from a driver's perspective, when you get to qualifying with full speed, it's different.

"Clearly, reducing speed and sliding for qualifying is hard to tackle and difficult for drivers like Max, who are always attacking, to take in.

"But I would say it's more a specific car problem that amplifies the existing issue, because if you're sitting in front of the TV or screen, even Max will say it's an exciting race in front.

But Verstappen said his opinion will remain the same even if he's racing at the front.

Wolff believes qualifying could be better under the new regulation but thinks the criticism is not a true reflection of what fans think.

"Qualifying at full speed will be fun, but when you look at the fans and their enthusiasm directly, cheering during overtaking, and also on social media, young fans, most of all demographics like this sport right now," he added.

"Yes, we can always see how we can improve it. But right now, all indicators and data show that people like it.

"I'm talking to Stefano [Domenicali], and he also says the same. So, it's like driving a car that, for some people, is not the most comfortable."