Verstappen says 60:40 shift makes him likelier to stay to 2028
Rulemakers reached an “agreement in principle” to reduce battery power for 2027 and move the power‑unit balance to a 60/40 split favoring the internal‑combustion engine.
The 2027 power‑unit regulations would rebalance electrical energy and internal combustion to roughly a 40/60 split (about 60:40 in favor of the combustion engine).
The 2027 regulations are intended to address driver complaints about battery harvesting and a practice known as “super clipping”.
Some power‑unit manufacturers have pushed back on the planned revisions and unanimity has not been achieved, threatening to delay implementation of the revised power‑unit rules until 2027 or even 2028.
Max Verstappen said the regulatory shift could influence his decision to remain in Formula 1 beyond 2026 and said the technical changes make it more likely he will stay in F1 through the remaining two years of his Red Bull contract.
Verstappen’s contract runs until 2028 (two years remaining as of 2026).
Verstappen told reporters at the Montreal qualifying weekend: “it’s just mentally not doable for me to stay like this.”
Earlier Verstappen said he might leave F1 at the end of 2026 because he found the 2026 power‑unit rules “anti‑racing” and likened them to “Mario Kart.”
Verstappen welcomed the FIA announcement and called the outcome “definitely heading into a very positive direction” and described the changes as “the minimum I was hoping for.”
Verstappen also described the planned engine changes as “a major step in the right direction.”
Verstappen confirmed he would remain in Formula 1 next season, telling de Telegraaf “Yes, definitely”, and said he would only quit if “very crazy things happen.”
Verstappen declined to commit to a long‑term future at Red Bull and said contract choices involve other projects and that he is “not in a hurry.”
Verstappen ruled out taking a sabbatical, saying “I’m not the person for that.”
Verstappen’s public criticisms and warnings about quitting have linked his personal future in the sport to the final shape and timing of the 2026/2027 power‑unit rules, increasing pressure on regulators and manufacturers to secure agreement.
Speculation about Verstappen’s long‑term future included links to a possible move to Mercedes; Jos Verstappen was seen speaking with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, but no formal approach or announcement regarding a move was reported.
Verstappen sits seventh in the 2026 standings with no podiums from the first four races.
Verstappen competed in the Nürburgring 24 Hours with a Verstappen.com GT3 entry; his team was leading with just over three hours remaining before a driveshaft failure ended their chance.
Verstappen said he intends to return to the Nürburgring event to try to win.
