Stoner was interviewed by Sky Sports expert commentator Martin Brundle in his famous live grid walk segment ahead of the Hungaroring race.
The interview took an awkward turn, however, when Brundle asked Stoner about his F1 fandom – and Stoner responded by calling the new regulations “overcomplicated”.
That, combined with the live TV time constraints, left Brundle talking over Stoner and swiftly cutting away in what was an uncomfortable end to the segment.
“Ummm.. you know, there’s some ups and downs with the regulations,” said Stoner.
“I think they are overcomplicated with the electronics, just understanding some of the nuances and difficulties these drivers have to deal with…”
At that point Brundle cut Stoner off and seemingly attempted to steer him down a more positive path: “But they’re good anyway, we like them in the end,” said the driver-turned-caller.
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Stoner did try to offer a more positive view, briefly explaining how he liked the total power output of the new cars before again being cut off mid-sentence as the Hungarian national anthem started.
Stoner is far from alone in his criticism of the new rules, with the sheer frustration from drivers and fans felt after last week’s Belgian Grand Prix, where the cars were particularly energy starved.
Sunday’s Hungarian GP, ultimately won by Lando Norris, was a more traditional affair with the twisty Budapest circuit better suited to the hybrid power units.
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