Driver unrest overshadowed the second Formula One pre-season test in Bahrain.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton both criticised the new regulations.
Verstappen said the heavy focus on energy management makes the car “not fun to drive”.
He called the concept “anti-racing” and compared it to “Formula E on steroids”.
He again suggested he could leave the sport if racing stops being enjoyable.
Hamilton described the systems as extremely complex for drivers and fans.
The new rules introduce revised engines, chassis, tyres and fully sustainable fuel.
Power now comes almost equally from combustion and electric sources.
Drivers must constantly control energy deployment during laps.
Testing times revealed little about the true competitive order.
Mercedes led the timesheets through Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.
Ferrari showed strong pace with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
McLaren remained competitive with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Verstappen finished seventh but demonstrated impressive straight-line speed for Red Bull Racing.
Norris rejected Verstappen’s criticism and said the cars are still enjoyable.
He added that Verstappen will continue pushing to win.
Toto Wolff claimed Mercedes had set the benchmark.
Red Bull played down its performance and accused Mercedes of sandbagging.
A dispute over a possible Mercedes engine loophole continues.
The FIA aims to resolve the issue before Melbourne.
Aston Martin struggled during testing.
Lance Stroll criticised the engine, balance and grip.
The team’s new car by Adrian Newey remains several seconds off the pace.
