Verstappen likely to stay in F1 due to planned PU changes

Max Verstappen says he is likely to stay in Formula 1 next season as a result of the proposed changes to power unit performance in 2027.

The FIA has announced a number of amendments to the power unit regulations have been agreed in principle, including a shift from the current near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical energy to roughly 60:40 in favor of internal combustion. Verstappen had previously stated he was considering his future in the sport as he does not enjoy the driving style required for the latest generation of car, but now suggests he will remain in F1.

“It's definitely heading into a very positive direction,” Verstappen said. “I think it's like the minimum I was hoping for and I think it's really nice that that's what they want to do. That’s definitely what I think also the sport needs.

“Yeah, definitely [boosts the chances of staying]. I just want a good product in Formula 1 and that will for sure improve the product.

“It was also just depending on the future rules. So what I said before with the changes, hopefully that will happen next year, that will already help a lot. Because I've always said it doesn't matter if I had a good car or not. It's just the product and I think the product will improve like that. So naturally I think then the enjoyment will go up as well.”

Pushed for clarity on whether he was saying he will definitely stay in the sport as a result of the changes, Verstappen opted against a full commitment.

“Like I said before, it will make the product better, so that means that I'm happier. And that's what I want to be able to continue in F1.

“Yes or no, it doesn't matter. For me, I'm happy where I'm at. I see the team really progressing, and that's also very exciting to see. For me, I always wanted to continue anyway, but I always wanted to see change, and I think the change that's coming now is definitely very positive. Or at least, I would say, almost back to normal. So that's good.

“We have to wait and see if that [change] is fully confirmed. But it definitely needs to happen.”

Verstappen also backed the approach from both the FIA and F1 itself in terms of being open to power unit regulation changes in response to driver feedback.

“I think that also grows a bit. The more you achieve in the sport, I think actually you have maybe a bit more of a voice," he said. "But, of course, I'm very happy. At the beginning of the year, I had a few meetings with F1, and then with other drivers with the FIA as well, and it's just great that they open-minded and they listen to the drivers.

“Because I think we speak – or at least most of us speak – in the interest of the sport and we just want to make it a better product. That's why you come up with the recommendations, and I think what they are trying to do is definitely the right thing."