Max Verstappen shoots down F1 suggestion: 'Bit late for that'

Max Verstappen has insisted it is “too late” to make adjustments to the technical regulations after concerns were raised during pre-season testing.

The F1 cars have gone through a significant change this year, with changes to both the aerodynamic and power unit rules coming into effect.

However, the new engines have caused a stir with some drivers voicing concerns over various issues such as overtaking, starting procedures and how they are forced to navigate corners at a much slower pace in order to harvest energy.

This weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix will provide the first insight into how the new cars will perform in a competitive environment.

But while some have suggested the FIA should remain fluid with the regulations and take onboard feedback from the drivers, Verstappen has declared that time has passed.

“It's a bit late for that,” Verstappen told media including RacingNews365. 

“The amount of money that has been invested in these regulations, it will be around for a while. 

“You could have seen this coming. Suddenly, now when things are raised, it's a bit late.”

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Verstappen 'proud' over Red Bull effort

Among the profound changes in play this year, Red Bull has entered the year with its own power unit for the first time.

Its performance and reliability caught the eye of rival teams during testing and the Milton Keynes-based squad has been tipped by many to enter the year as an immediate challenger.

While Verstappen played down expectations, he voiced his surprise over how quickly Red Bull has hit the ground running.

“I'm very happy with what we did in pre-season,” he said. “It's been a really great and proud moment for everyone, how the whole project came together between the engine and the car. 

“I was really positively surprised with how everything felt. 

“The rule changes have been really complex for everyone, but in terms of the feeling in the car, the driving experience between the engine and the car, it was good. 

“Of course, I've had my say on the other things that I didn't like, but what happened here within the team has been really, really good.

“So we are very happy with that. Now, of course, looking on the performance side of things, we want to be a little bit faster. 

“Naturally, everyone always wants to be faster, but from the things that we learned in Bahrain, we're not the quickest.

“But I have no idea. We'll just see where we are here to start with.”