F1 | Verstappen against the new F1: what if, in the end, he is the one set to win?

Max Verstappen has never hidden his frustration with the technical direction Formula 1 has taken in recent years. For months, the Dutch driver has openly criticised the new generation of power units, which he believes are too heavily electrified and increasingly distant from the essence of pure racing.

And yet, while the paddock continues to debate the long-term direction of the sport, a growing idea is emerging: a return to a more combustion-engine-focused Formula 1, powered by sustainable fuels and with a reduced reliance on electric systems. Ironically, this evolving vision may end up resembling exactly what Verstappen has been calling for all along. The key question now is: how long will it take to reach that point?

From public criticism to behind-the-scenes discussions

During pre-season testing in Bahrain, Verstappen did not hold back, describing the new regulations as “Formula E on steroids” and “anti-racing”. He repeated similar criticisms in Australia and China, before being asked by his team to move such discussions away from the microphones.

Stefano Domenicali confirmed that ongoing dialogue with the driver continues: “I speak with him often. He is very determined, but he will understand that there is a much broader picture.”

That broader picture stems from an industrial context that, just a few years ago, was heavily pushing toward full electrification. Formula 1 followed that path in an effort to attract manufacturers like Audi and Honda. Today, however, the landscape looks very different: the European Union has revised its approach, Ford has reconsidered its position on internal combustion engines, and several manufacturers have shown how quickly strategic priorities can shift.

Domenicali even referenced Renault as an example of this volatility: present at the negotiating table one moment, and suddenly absent the next.

“We cannot depend on unpredictable industrial decisions,” he explained.

The paddock looks ahead: less electric, more sustainable combustion

The next regulatory cycle could therefore take a different direction. Domenicali envisions a future where the internal combustion engine, powered by sustainable fuels, returns to the centre of Formula 1, with a significantly reduced electric component.

Inside the paddock, the sentiment is increasingly aligned with that idea. There is even talk of a possible return to a lightweight hybrid V8 concept, a solution that Ford has already indicated it could support. The willingness to change direction is now stronger than it was a few years ago. However, Domenicali warns: “We can no longer find ourselves in a situation where manufacturers dictate the pace of the sport.”

What changes for Verstappen?

If Formula 1 does indeed move toward a more combustion-centred engine formula, two key implications emerge for Verstappen.

The first is that 2026 will remain a challenging season. Despite updates introduced in Miami, the current car concept will not fully reflect his driving preferences. The second is more forward-looking: his long-term future in the sport could increasingly align with his vision of what Formula 1 should be.

He reaffirmed this stance in Amsterdam, making his preference for a V8 or V10 clear:

“I love real Formula 1, and at the moment, in many ways, it is not like that.”

The timing remains the main uncertainty. Formally, the current regulations run until 2030, but a qualified majority could potentially accelerate the introduction of new rules. However, such a move would be complex, given the scale of investments already committed by manufacturers.

Domenicali has stressed that 2026 cannot be left without direction:

“We need to decide as soon as possible.”

Verstappen is hoping for meaningful changes already by 2027, even though the real transformation is expected only with the next regulatory cycle.

A future shaped by timing and decisions

The future of Formula 1 may not immediately align with Verstappen’s preferences, but the direction of travel increasingly appears to be moving closer to his philosophy—particularly toward the 2030 horizon.

The remaining question is whether he will choose to stay in the sport long enough to experience it. His decision will depend on his private life, his stated reluctance to race beyond his forties, and how effectively Formula 1 can make the transitional years more appealing.

Discussions are expected to resume after Miami. Once again, the technical future of the sport and the path of its most influential driver appear closely intertwined.