Formula E champion fires back after explosive Max Verstappen comments

Formula E champion Lucas Di Grassi has publicly responded to Max Verstappen's comments about the new F1 cars, which have been interpreted as a slight towards the all-electric series.

Disatisfied with the complexity of the new regulations, particularly given the extreme levels of energy management, the Red Bull driver has claimed the new cars were like "Formula E on steroids" during the first pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit.

The four-time F1 drivers' champion was forthright in his comments and even went as far as saying the new rulebook could hasten his retirement.

Despite being contracted to the Milton Keynes-based team until the end of 2028 and saying that his next F1 contract will be his last, the Dutchman has openly spoken about — and threatened — his eventual departure numerous times in the past.

The 28-year-old will no doubt be a great loss for F1 when that time comes, but branding the 2026 regulations "anti-racing" suggests that time might come sooner than initially anticipated.

With the comparison to Formula E — on account of the 50/50 split of the new power units between electrical and traditional combustion engine power, something that reduces the ability to drive flat out as often as under the previous era — causing a stir, Di Grassi was the first of the championship's current crop to fire back remarks of his own.

"Formula E cars Gen 4.5 & 5 will be way faster than current F1 cars," the former F1 driver posted on X, formerly Twitter, in a repost of an article by The Race covering Verstappen's quotes.

"You can come and drive the fastest cars on the planet in a few years."

Whether Verstappen will take the Brazilian up on that offer remains to be seen, but the ferocity of the 71-time grand prix winner's comments underlines how polarising the new F1 cars are already proving to be.