Max Verstappen has offered a more encouraging outlook on his long-term Formula 1 future after welcoming the sport’s planned regulation changes, admitting that the direction being taken has improved the chances of him remaining on the grid.
Speaking ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, the four-time world champion returned to the subject of Formula 1’s evolving technical regulations, an issue he has been highly vocal about throughout the 2026 season.
During pre-season testing in Bahrain, the Red Bull driver had strongly criticised the new generation of Formula 1 cars, famously comparing them to “Formula E on steroids” because of the original decision to split performance equally between internal combustion and electric power. The planned 50/50 balance between thermal and electrical power raised concerns across the paddock, with several drivers and teams questioning both the sporting implications and potential safety concerns.
As a result, Formula 1’s leadership held discussions during the Miami Grand Prix weekend to evaluate possible solutions to improve the current concept. While some regulatory adjustments are expected to be introduced already during 2026, a more significant shift now appears likely for 2027, with the power split expected to move toward a 60/40 balance in favour of the combustion engine.
Max Verstappen welcomes Formula 1’s new direction
Asked specifically about the proposed 60/40 ratio favouring the internal combustion engine from 2027 onward, Max Verstappen made it clear he sees the move as a major step in the right direction.
“It is definitely going in a much more positive direction. That was the minimum I was hoping for, and I think it is really positive that this is what they want to do. It is definitely also what this sport needs,” said the Dutch driver.
Given his previous scepticism, Verstappen was then asked whether these possible changes increase the chances of him staying in Formula 1 longer term: “Yes, definitely. I just want a good product in Formula 1, and this will undoubtedly improve the product itself. With the changes, which I hope happen next year, it will already be a big help, because I have always said that it does not matter whether I have a good car or not, what matters is the product, and I think the product will improve this way. So naturally, I think the enjoyment will also increase.”
Still no firm commitment for 2027
While Max Verstappen sounded significantly more positive than earlier in the season, he stopped short of confirming whether he will definitely remain on the Formula 1 grid next year.
“As I have said before, it will improve the product, so I will be happier, and that is what I want, to continue in Formula 1. I do not care whether I say ‘yes or no’; it does not matter. As far as I am concerned, I am happy with where I am.”
“I can see that the team is really progressing, and that is something very exciting. Personally, I have always wanted to continue, but I also always wanted to see changes, and I think the changes that are coming are definitely very, very positive, or at least I would say they represent almost a return to normality. So that is fine.”
Those comments suggest Formula 1 may be moving closer to addressing one of Verstappen’s biggest concerns about the sport’s future direction.
Red Bull finding its way back into the fight
The improving mood around Red Bull is not only linked to regulatory politics. On track, the Milton Keynes-based team appears to be recovering after a difficult start to the 2026 campaign.
The upgrade package introduced in Miami appears to have delivered meaningful progress, allowing Max Verstappen to rejoin the competitive battle at the front for the first time this season. Earlier in the year, Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari appeared comfortably ahead of the RB22, but recent performance gains have helped Red Bull close that gap significantly. For the first time in 2026, Verstappen looked capable of genuinely fighting with the leading teams rather than operating in a separate performance bracket.
The next important test comes in Montreal, where Red Bull will need to confirm that its resurgence is genuine. For now, however, there are signs that the team has rediscovered the direction it seemed to lose at the start of the season.
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