Verstappen explains why he 'started laughing' during Silverstone sim run

Max Verstappen admitted a recent Silverstone simulator session left him laughing for all the wrong reasons, revealing that the British Grand Prix layout drains the RB22’s battery so aggressively the track feels almost unrecognizable. Despite renewed optimism after finishing second in Austria, the Dutchman believes Silverstone will expose a completely different weakness in Red Bull’s upgraded package.

Why it matters:

Verstappen’s remarks highlight how Formula 1’s current regulations have made energy management a critical performance differentiator, where circuit characteristics can override raw car pace. With championship leader Kimi Antonelli holding a commanding 98-point advantage, the Dutchman urgently needs a clean weekend where deployment strategy does not leave him off the pace. Silverstone’s relentless high-speed flow offers few braking zones for battery recovery, giving teams with optimized electrical systems a decisive edge unseen in Austria.

The details:

• Verstappen said the simulator felt “like a different track” because he had “barely” any battery available across a lap.
• Unlike Austria’s long straights and heavy braking zones, Silverstone’s full-throttle corners interrupt energy recovery.
• Constant flat-out running depletes hybrid reserves, leaving drivers short on electrical deployment for following straights.
• While Red Bull’s latest upgrade showed clear promise in Austria, Verstappen remains cautious about expecting the same competitiveness at Silverstone.

What's next:

The British Grand Prix will serve as a litmus test for whether Red Bull’s Austria resurgence is genuine or merely circuit-specific. Verstappen, currently seventh in the standings, is taking a “race by race” approach, but Silverstone will quickly reveal if the RB22 can handle an energy-starved layout. If battery deployment proves decisive, the pecking order behind Antonelli could shift dramatically by Sunday afternoon.