Max Verstappen's teammate understands his frustration with F1's 'impure' racing

Max Verstappen's frustration with this year's F1 machinery is no secret, and his Nürburgring 24 Hours teammate Dani Juncadella says he fully understands why. According to Juncadella, the Dutchman's irritation comes from cars that go against his natural instincts behind the wheel.

Why it matters:

Verstappen’s dissatisfaction isn’t just personal – it reflects a broader mood among the grid. As more drivers voice similar concerns about the current regulations, it could intensify pressure on the FIA and FOM to rethink the direction of the sport's technical rules.

The details:

• Juncadella told Motorsport-Total that Verstappen “likes to be in control” and wants to understand how to influence performance.
• “It feels like he doesn't have the tools to influence his performance,” Juncadella said. “And I think that's exactly what frustrates him.”
• The Spaniard noted that more drivers are reaching the same conclusion and are not enjoying the current rules.
• Verstappen's third outing at the Nürburgring this year highlights his attraction to a different breed of racing.
• Pure racing: Juncadella believes GT3 gives Verstappen what F1 cannot – instant throttle response, no nasty surprises, and old-school door-to-door battles.
  • “You press the accelerator and the car shoots off,” he said. “No unpleasant surprises. It's like karting again, just pure racing, wheel to wheel.”

Between the lines:

Verstappen’s willingness to trade the pinnacle of motorsport for the endurance classic – despite his demanding F1 schedule – signals a deeper longing for the raw, unfiltered competition he grew up with. It also raises questions about whether the current F1 formula has strayed too far from what makes driving genuinely thrilling.

What's next:

Verstappen will strap into the #27 Mercedes-AMG GT3 this weekend alongside Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Expect him to savor every moment of the “pure” racing he craves – and to continue pushing for change when he returns to F1 duty.