Esteban Ocon dismisses Max Verstappen exit rumours and calls for V8 engines. Ocon rejects Verstappen retirement talk and supports return of naturally aspirated engines.

F1 | Verstappen heading for an exit? Ocon dismisses the rumours and backs a V8 return

Rumours surrounding a possible departure of Max Verstappen from Formula 1 continue to generate debate throughout the paddock, but Esteban Ocon has no doubts about the future of the four-time world champion.

The French driver firmly ruled out the possibility of Max Verstappen walking away from the sport, pointing out that recent changes to the power unit regulations have helped ease some of the major concerns previously raised by the Red Bull driver.

“I don’t think Max will leave Formula 1,” Esteban Ocon explained. “Losing a champion of his level because of technical regulations would be a huge blow for our sport, but I don’t think that will happen. The people making the decisions are listening to the drivers, and progress is being made.”

In recent months, Max Verstappen had expressed strong reservations about the next generation of power units, believing they relied too heavily on the electrical component. However, the FIA has since intervened by modifying the balance of power between the internal combustion engine and the electric systems for the coming years, a decision that the Dutch champion reportedly welcomed.

Ocon also used the opportunity to put forward a proposal that many Formula 1 fans would love to see become reality: the return of naturally aspirated engines.

“If it were up to me, I would bring back the V8s or even the V10s,” he said. “They were power units with tremendous character, capable of delivering unique driving sensations. Combined with hybrid technology, they could represent an extraordinary solution for the future.”

It is a vision that also finds support from FIA President :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}, who has for some time been in favour of a return to V8 engines powered by sustainable fuels as part of the next regulatory cycle expected around 2030-2031.

With discussions over Formula 1’s long-term technical direction continuing, Ocon’s comments are likely to resonate with many fans who still remember the sound and character of the sport’s naturally aspirated era, while also reinforcing the belief that Max Verstappen’s future remains firmly on the Formula 1 grid.