Unbroadcast team radio from Max Verstappen during the Australian Grand Prix has highlighted his displeasure with the new F1 regulations.
Verstappen could only manage sixth in the season opener down under, after he failed to pass reigning world champion Lando Norris in the closing laps of the grand prix.
The Dutchman was forced to fight his way through the field following an unfortunate crash during his first qualifying lap leaving him 20th on the grid.
Following the race, Verstappen made no secret of his frustrations on the new regulations and demanded the FIA take action to improve matters.
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"I do love racing, and I want it to be better than this. So let’s see what we can do," Verstappen told the media after the race.
"I think they’re willing to listen, the FIA and F1, but I just hope there is some action."
Verstappen added: “We just want the best for the sport. It’s not that we are critical, just to be critical."
Max Verstappen slams Red Bull car in unbroadcast team radio
It wasn't just outside the car that Verstappen was vocal, with his unbroadcast team radio messages now gaining traction online.
The 28-year-old was left extremely frustrated at his new battery system, an issue shared by race winner George Russell who admitted he was left with 0% following the formation lap.
"Mate, my battery is almost empty. It just doesn’t charge," Verstappen told his engineer Gianpiero Lambiase.
He later added: “Ah. The battery, mate. F**k’s sake.”
Following the race, Lambiase thanked Verstappen for his efforts insisting he maximised the potential of the Red Bull.
“Yeah, thank you, mate. I did what I could but we just grain way too quick. And also the hard tyre was definitely worse," he told the four-time world champion.
Verstappen returned the appreciation, but couldn't help but admit how he really feels about the new regulations.
“Yeah, thank you, guys. You guys all worked very hard for this and you’ve done a really good job. It’s just super frustrating to drive, but thank you.”
However, luckily for Verstappen he won't have to focus fully on his day job, with confirmation on Monday he will drive a Mercedes AMG for the Nordschleife enduro between May 14-17th.
This comes after he earned his GT3 licence last year before competing in a round of the Nurburgring Endurance Series which he won from third.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, Motorsport, FIA
Tom Jenkins