Max Verstappen says it is “mentally not doable” for him to remain in Formula 1 if the series can’t drastically improve its power unit regulations for 2027, with proposals to move to a 60-40 split between combustion power and electric energy now in jeopardy.
As F1 stakeholders try to find ways to improve the flawed 2026 power unit regulations for next year, a proposal has been tabled by the FIA to increase power from the V6 power plants and reduce the share of electric energy.
But while the FIA said there was an “agreement in principle” on increasing the fuel flow to get to a 60-40 split for next year, in the days following that meeting several manufacturers have since backtracked or voiced objections on the timelines involved, with some preferring to delay the changes to 2028 and make a smaller adjustment for next year.
On Thursday, four-time world champion Verstappen, who has been the loudest critic of the current regulations, said the 60-40 change would be a “very positive” step in the right direction as he considers his future in F1. His Red Bull team, which builds its own engines with Ford, is also in favour of the change as is Mercedes.
But facing the prospect of the move being derailed by paddock politics, Verstappen now joined Williams driver Carlos Sainz in urging the FIA to step in and force the changes through, which it could theoretically do on safety grounds.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
“Of course, I agree. And it will be better for the sport as a whole,” Verstappen said when informed of Sainz’s comments that the FIA has to take a tough stance on 2027. “I can tell you if it stays like this, then…. let’s see. It’s just mentally not doable for me to stay like this, absolutely not.”
Having been around for a decade, Verstappen wasn’t surprised the proposed regulations change has turned political, although he hoped the 60-40 split can still happen.
“That’s Formula 1 for you. It’s simply like that. It’s a bit of a shame,” he said. “Let’s stay on the positive side. We’re still looking towards making those changes. And of course, some people that at the moment maybe have a bit of an advantage will try to be difficult about it. But if the FIA is strong and also from the F1 [management] side, they just need to do it.”
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– The Autosport.com Team
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