Max Verstappen says it will be mentally difficult for him to continue in F1 in 2027 if the proposed tweaks to 2026 regulation are blocked.
On Thursday, Red Bull’s Verstappen sounded positive about the proposed change to 2026 F1 regulation, especially in the power unit output to a 60-40 demarcation between combustion and electric. The four-time champion gave a green signal of potentially staying in the sport.
Verstappen rethinking his F1 stay in 2027
Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies felt confident too, but two days on, Verstappen has gone back on his positivity amid murmurs that certain power unit manufacturers have opposed the idea of 60-40 use, as early as F1 2027. They want more time and push it to 2028, indicating a smaller change in 2027.
After a low-key F1 sprint race and main qualifying, Verstappen mood swayed when speaking in the Canadian GP print media pen. The Dutchman signaled his displeasure and admitted that mentally it won’t be possible for him to stay in the sport, if the proposed changes don’t see the light in 2027.
Mentally tough to continue with F1 2026 regs in 2027 for Verstappen
“Well, if it stays like this, it’s going to be a long year next year, which I don’t want,” said Verstappen. “Well, 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,” he summed up, while noting that not all teams are aligned to push the changes in 2027.
He can understand the politics behind it, which is why he is happy to move out, if things don’t go well. “Not all the teams [are aligned],” continued Verstappen. “It’s Formula 1 for you. Yeah, it’s simply like that. It’s a bit of a shame. There’s a lot of fun things out there [for me to do other than F1].
FIA/FOM needs to take strong stance to push F1 2027 changes
The Dutchman feels the FIA and FOM can push the changes if they take a strong stance, which will be better for the sport overall. “Let’s stay on the positive side,” said Verstappen. “We’re still, I think, 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 FOM side, they just need to do it. I agree [with Carlos Sainz, on FIA/FOM taking a strong stance]. Yeah, and it will be better for the sport as a whole,” summed up Verstappen.
