Max Verstappen has once again cast doubt on his future in Formula 1, stating that it would be “mentally impossible” for him to continue for long if the current rules do not change quickly.
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Since the start of the 2026 F1 season, Max Verstappen has been increasingly critical of the new generation of cars introduced with the revised engine regulations. The four-time world champion has never hidden his discomfort with the behavior of the current cars, largely altered by the increased importance of the electric component.
Drivers now have to manage an extremely complex energy management system, especially since the disappearance of the MGU-H and the new power distribution between the internal combustion engine and the battery. A balance currently set at 50/50, which clearly does not convince Verstappen.
After several weeks of discussions, the FIA, F1, and the teams seemed close to an agreement to revise this distribution starting in 2027, with a return to a ratio more favorable to the internal combustion engine, estimated around 60/40.
But several manufacturers are reportedly not fully aligned with this evolution, which now threatens the implementation of the changes.
“Mentally, it’s not doable”
When asked about the possibility of the regulations remaining unchanged, Verstappen did not hide his concern. The Red Bull driver hinted that he might seriously reconsider his future if the situation does not evolve.
“Next year will be very long if it stays like this, and I don’t want to live through that,” he explained.
Pressed to clarify his remarks, the Dutchman was even more direct: “Mentally, it’s not doable for me to continue under these conditions.”
These are particularly strong statements from the four-time world champion, who has been very critical for several months regarding the driving pleasure offered by the new cars.
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Verstappen calls for strong intervention from the FIA
Despite his criticisms, Verstappen remains hopeful that the FIA and F1 will eventually impose the desired modifications. According to him, some teams are mainly trying to protect a technical advantage gained with the current regulations.
“Some people who may have an advantage today are obviously trying to complicate things,” he believes.
The Red Bull driver therefore clearly calls on the governing bodies to take control again to prevent negotiations from stalling: “If the FIA and F1 are strong, they just have to make the decision.”
Verstappen even considers that a forceful move by the FIA against a manufacturer opposed to the changes would be beneficial for the sport.
No break planned for the world champion
Despite this new warning, Verstappen assures that he does not plan a simple sabbatical year. The Dutchman states that if he were to leave F1, it would probably be permanently.
However, he recalls that there are, in his opinion, “many other fun things to do” outside the sport, while his projects in endurance racing, GT, and sim racing continue to grow.
One thing now seems clear: the evolution of the 2027 regulations could become a major factor in Verstappen’s decision regarding the future of his career in Formula 1.
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