“Have you seen that straight?” Max Verstappen sounds the alarm for the F1 Chinese GP. Max Verstappen expresses concern over the long Shanghai straight.

Max Verstappen has openly expressed that he is not particularly enthusiastic about racing at the Chinese Grand Prix, largely due to one specific factor. The four-time world champion has been very candid about his feelings regarding the new 2026 regulations, and this explains why the prospect of racing in Shanghai doesn’t excite him. According to Verstappen, the current technical revolution risks changing the essence of Formula 1, turning it into a sport dominated by energy management rather than pure on-track spectacle.

The Shanghai International Circuit presents a particular challenge in terms of battery usage. After the Melbourne Grand Prix, the Dutch Red Bull driver shared his concern in his usual straightforward manner, pointing out the extremely long straight that drivers will have to tackle. This straight is a nightmare for both the top speed of the RB22 and, more importantly, the management of the hybrid component of the power unit.

When asked by ViaPlay whether he hoped things might go better, Max Verstappen replied into their microphones: “Did you see how long the straight is down there?” His dry humor emphasized the difficulty this section poses for all drivers. Starting this year, battery recharge occurs mainly under braking, while on long straights, drivers are forced to slow down to avoid excessive energy consumption.

In Australia, Max Verstappen also echoed the radio comments of Charles Leclerc, who had complained that the race was more like a “Mario Kart” session. Max Verstappen has consistently been one of the harshest critics of the new technical regulations. Indeed, the Melbourne weekend highlighted the issue of “super clipping,” which forced drivers to noticeably lift off the throttle in multiple sections of the track, particularly between Turns 8 and 9.

The looming challenge in Shanghai therefore becomes a crucial test for the sustainability of the 2026 technical regulations. With the longest straight on the calendar awaiting the field, the balance between raw speed and digital energy recovery will be pushed to a breaking point. If Verstappen’s predictions hold true, the “Mario Kart” sensation of tactical power-boosting and forced lifting could dominate the headlines in China. Fans and engineers alike will be watching the telemetry closely to see if the RB22 can find a way to “ascend” above these constraints or if the 1.2km straight will turn the race into a high-speed game of energy conservation.