Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Verstappen makes U-turn over F1 future amid engine rule uncertainty
Max Verstappen appeared to confirm on Friday that he would remain in Formula 1 next season, but only a few hours later, the Dutchman significantly softened his stance by admitting his future could depend on planned 2027 engine rule changes.
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Despite growing speculation surrounding his long-term future, the four-time world champion initially sounded confident about staying on the Formula 1 grid.
“Yes, definitely,” Verstappen told in an interview for De Telegraaf.
“Unless something completely crazy happens, but I’m not expecting that. I hope everyone keeps their word. In any case, I can confirm that I’m staying in Formula 1.”
However, Verstappen’s reference to “keeping their word” was linked to ongoing discussions over Formula 1’s future power unit regulations.
The proposed changes would alter the balance between combustion engine power and electric energy deployment to a 60/40 split from 2027 onwards. Under the plan, the combustion engine output would increase by 50 kW, while battery power would be reduced by the same amount.
Although there is reportedly a principle agreement on the changes, the final decision has still not been confirmed. After qualifying, Verstappen made it clear that the regulation changes are a crucial factor for him personally.
“I can tell you that if it stays like this, then… we’ll see. Continuing like this is simply not mentally manageable for me anymore. Absolutely not," Verstappen said, as quoted by Motorsport.com.
The Red Bull driver also admitted he was not surprised to see the debate around the new rules becoming increasingly political.
“That’s Formula 1. That’s just how it works. It’s a bit of a shame, but let’s look at the positive side. We are still moving towards making those changes happen. And some people who currently maybe have a bit of an advantage will obviously try to create difficulties around it. But if the FIA and Formula 1 management stay strong, they simply have to go through with it,” Verstappen concluded.
