Max Verstappen told to 'stop whining' and 'help Red Bull'

Max Verstappen has been urged to stop criticising F1's new regulations and focus on the task at hand of helping Red Bull.

Verstappen has endured his worst start to a season since 2018, scoring just eight points from the opening two grands prix in Australia and China, notably retiring from the latter on Sunday after 45 laps with a coolant problem in the ERS.

The four-time F1 champion has additionally hit the headlines for his constant attacks on the new rules introduced this season, related to the 50-50 split in power between combustion and electrical energy.

Verstappen has pulled no punches in various media sessions, describing the current version of F1 as "FE on steroids", akin to "Mario Kart", and "a joke", and has demanded that changes be made.

Former F1  driver Ralf Schumacher feels Verstappen should now quit the carping and get on with driving.

"Max has proven that he is the fastest driver," said the six-time grand prix winner, speaking to Sky Germany.

"Now, however, he has to help his team, a team that is having problems, and stop whining."

Verstappen knew rules were coming

Schumacher feels that Verstappen's decision to compete in the upcoming 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is a distraction he and the team do not need, and that he should instead concentrate on helping Red Bull develop the car.

"The fact that he just wants to drive in another racing series...that's something you can do, but it's not necessary," commented Schumacher, who pointed out the drivers and teams knew years ago F1's plans for the current series.

"These new rules were established four years ago," he said. "At the time, all teams actually just wanted a larger electric share; you shouldn't forget that. Many teams have invested an incredible amount of money in this."

Verstappen will be in action on the Nordschleife this coming weekend for NLS2, in preparation for the 24-hour race later this year, competing with a factory-backed Mercedes AMG GT3.

Despite Schumacher's remarks, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies feels that Verstappen racing in other series helps both the Dutchman and the team.

Mekies recently noted that, "You would think that it takes a lot of energy to do all that, but it actually gives him extra strength."