Jos Verstappen warns of political deadlock as Mercedes defends technical lead. Jos Verstappen discusses F1 rule changes, Toto Wolff and Mercedes’ influence.

Jos Verstappen doesn’t expect major changes

In a long interview with the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Jos Verstappen spoke about his son Max’s criticisms of the F1 regulations. He explained: “The F1 leadership really listens to him, I’m convinced of that. And it’s possible they will change a few small things in this year’s regulations, but these won’t be aspects that make a real difference. I hope they can make major changes for 2027 or 2028.”

However, Jos Verstappen is aware that changing the current situation won’t be easy, since those at the front will try to protect their advantage: “Obviously, it’s also a political game. Changes are not always easy to implement. Toto Wolff and Mercedes will want to maintain these regulations for as long as possible. They have invested a lot of time and money and have a clear advantage, for example in terms of knowledge compared to the customer teams. That is their right, and they can benefit from it.”

Recently, Mercedes has opened up to some adjustments, particularly a reduced influence of energy management in qualifying. It’s easy to imagine that for deeper changes, the Silver Arrows will try to oppose in every way to defend their advantage at the start of this season.

Jos Verstappen also struggles with the new F1

It’s not just Max—Jos Verstappen himself isn’t enjoying this new era of F1: “When I watch certain sessions and hear that they have to lift off the throttle, it’s hard to get excited. Two weeks ago, I woke up in the middle of the night to watch the free practice in China, and I turned off the TV after 15 minutes and went back to sleep. I had never done that before, and that probably means something.”

The elder Verstappen’s comments echo a growing sentiment in the paddock that the 2026 regulations, while technologically advanced, may have compromised the “show” that fans wake up early to see. As the season progresses toward Miami, the tension between those wanting to fix the “boring” racing and those wanting to protect their investment is only set to increase.