Max Verstappen's savage response when asked about Chinese Grand Prix performance
The four-time champion didn't hold back after he was forced to withdraw from the second race of the 2026 season.
Max Verstappen didn't hold back when reacting to his disastrous race at the Chinese Grand Prix.
On Sunday morning, the Formula One grid arrived in Shanghai to compete in the second race of the 2026 season.
After finishing behind teammate George Russell in the Australian Grand Prix, Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli became only the second teenage to win a Grand Prix as he won his first race at just 19 years old.
Elsewhere in the race, Verstappen, the only other driver to win a race as a teenager, had a disaster as he was forced to withdraw from the race while battling towards the bottom of the top 10.
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Following the race, the Dutchman spoke to the media about what happened to his car, and it's safe to say he wasn't happy.
Ever since the start of the 2026 season, four-time champion Verstappen has been outspoken about his disliking of the new regulations introduced ahead of this year.
So much so, that during his interview with ViaPlay, the journalist admitted that they were surprised to see the Dutchman racing in sixth for a lot of the race given his frustrations with the Red Bull car.
"I don't know either how that happened," Verstappen bluntly replied.
When asked further about the race, the Dutchman confirmed that a leak in the ERS cooling system is what forced him to retire from the race early, adding that it was just another bad performance under the new regulations.
He said: "Yup, the same again. Always have to go from the back, might as well start there too.
"We didn't have balance, a lot of deg, to be honest a lot went wrong, car doesn't feel good, something wrong with the steering.. a whole list."
However, it wasn't all bad news for Verstappen, as he watched on with pride as Antonelli, who he has a close relationship with, secured his maiden Grand Prix win.
"These are beautiful moments. I am very happy for him," Verstappen said.
"I think there's a bit less pressure on his shoulders now too, if you win your first race. And it definitely wont be his last."
Verstappen will next have the chance to secure his first podium finish at the Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit on March 29.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Motorsport, Formula 1
Ben McCrum