Lewis Hamilton has hit out at Max Verstappen's recent criticism of the new Formula One regulations ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
After a brief one week break, the Formula One grid have arrived in Suzuka, Japan for the third race of the season this weekend.
The race will be the third since a series new regulations were introduced with an aim to improving the quality and competitiveness of F1 across the entire grid.
However, since the opening race in Melbourne, it's fair to say that the reaction from most drivers to the new regulations has been largely negative, with four-time drivers' champion Verstappen the most outspoken against the changes.
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Ahead of the season, the Dutchman referred to the new regulations as 'anti-racing' and has since regularly voiced his disliking of having to manage his battery to make the most of power boost deployment.
"It's terrible, if someone likes this, then you really don't know what racing is about. It's not fun at all. It's playing Mario Kart. This is not racing. For me, it's just a joke," Verstappen said after the Chinese Grand Prix.
But fellow F1 legend Hamilton has hit back at his rival's claims, suggesting that his criticism may just be down to the fact that Red Bull won't be competing for the title this year.
"Naturally when you have a good car and you're competitive, it's nice to be out in front. "[Max] has had that for the last four or five years. It's been pretty smooth sailing for him," Hamilton claimed ahead of the race in Suzuka.
"This is the first year, but I can't answer that. He's not enjoying it as much. It's definitely a lot different. I think a lot of drivers are not enjoying it, but I don't really know. I'm just personally enjoying it. It's a lighter car. They're more nimble.
"Everyone's going to have an opinion every time you change a car. Some people don't like it, you can't please everybody. If our car all of a sudden turns to a nightmare to drive, maybe it won't be as enjoyable, but the fact is we're having a good fight with the chance to fight for wins. That's always a part of it."
Verstappen is far from the only driver to speak out against the regulations this year, with reigning world champion Lando Norris and two-time champion Fernando Alonso also critical.
But, like Hamilton, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has previously suggested that Verstappen's criticisms could be due to the "horror show" that he has endured in the opening races of the season.
The 28-year-old won four consecutive drivers titles from 2021 to 2024 and, against the odds, came close to making it five in a row last year, finishing narrowly behind Norris.
However, this year Verstappen and Red Bull appear to be way off their rivals, with the Dutch driver finishing sixth and 16th in the first races of 2026.
Topics: Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Motorsport, Formula 1
Ben McCrum