Verstappen urges simpler F1 rules after chaotic Malaysia start

Max Verstappen wants Formula 1’s next regulations to be simpler after the chaotic wet-weather start in Malaysia. Asked about the disruption in Singapore, he said the current cars are too complex and that background software can sometimes prevent a car from moving away or trigger a fault.

His criticism goes beyond the start procedure. Verstappen said drivers must monitor battery charge at the start and during overtaking, while also managing when to lift off or downshift to improve energy deployment. He argued that lap time should be decided by braking and throttle, not energy-management calculations.

The FIA’s review of the disruption identified a specific technical cause: in certain sectors, cars running at low engine speeds faced a 250 kW power reduction in wet conditions. On some cars the reduction was stronger than intended, and the additional loss could not be recovered in those sectors.

The FIA said the software had been tested before its introduction, but concluded that testing and validation should be strengthened. It planned to use the Sepang configuration in Singapore if comparable wet conditions were expected, and a further wet-weather software update was planned for the United States Grand Prix on 25 October.