– With the adjustments to the engine rules for the 2027 season, the FIA has ensured that it is more likely that Max Verstappen will remain in Formula 1 beyond 2026. Because he describes the basic agreement on a 60-40 split in favor of the combustion engine as “what the sport needs”.
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The Dutchman has never held back with his criticism of the current technical regulations, but since the Miami Grand Prix, things have moved in the right direction from his point of view. Verstappen had always emphasized that he hoped for “bigger changes” for 2027, and that now aligns with what he had envisioned.
“I mean, this is definitely going in a very positive direction. I think this is the minimum of what I hoped for, and it’s really nice that they want to do exactly that. That is definitely what, in my opinion, the sport also needs,” the Dutchman said on Thursday.
When asked if this convinces him to stay in Formula 1 next year, the four-time world champion added: “Yes, definitely. I just want to see a good product in Formula 1, and this will certainly improve the product.”
Verstappen does not want to give a definitive yes or no yet on whether he will compete in the top class next season, but he emphasizes that the likelihood of staying has increased significantly due to these changes.
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“As I said: It will improve the product. That means I am happier, and that is exactly what I need to be able to continue in Formula 1. Yes or no? Well, that doesn’t matter.”
“I am happy where I am. I see the team making real progress, and that is also very exciting to watch. I always wanted to continue anyway, but I also wanted to see changes,” said the Red Bull driver.
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Political interests must not stand in the way of change
Formally, the changes for 2027 have not yet been finalized. There is a basic agreement and a first idea of how to achieve the 60-40 balance: on the one hand through adjustments to fuel flow and on the other hand through a reduction of electrical power by 50 kilowatts.
Behind the scenes, however, discussions about the technical details are still ongoing, and these topics are politically sensitive. Some manufacturers advocate for solutions closer to their current state, as this might give them a competitive advantage.
Verstappen emphasizes that these political considerations must not prevent change. “That is why we have to wait until everything is officially confirmed, but it definitely has to come.”
Regardless of the exact technical implementation, Verstappen sees it as a positive development that the FIA and Formula 1 are now listening to the drivers – including his own suggestions: “I think the more you achieve in the sport, the more weight your own voice naturally has. But yes, I am very happy.”
“At the beginning of the year, I had a few meetings with the FOM and of course also with other drivers as well as the FIA. It is just great that they are open-minded and listen to the drivers. Because I think we speak – or at least most of us – in the interest of the sport,” he said.
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“We just want a better product, and that is why recommendations are made. And I think what they are trying now is definitely the right thing.”
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