Verstappen: “Discussions with FIA and FOM to improve these cars, hopefully already from 2027”

The Dutch driver joked about replacing his simulator at home with a Nintendo Switch to play Mario Kart.

The Red Bull driver spoke during the press conference

“I replaced the simulator at home with a cheaper solution, a Nintendo Switch, I train by playing Mario Kart. When it comes to finding the mushrooms I’m doing well, but I still need to work on the blue shells.” Max Verstappen tried to joke during the press conference ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, where he also made it clear that he has no intention of leaving Formula 1.

“I have no intention of leaving Formula 1, but at the same time I hope the situation improves. There are discussions with the FIA and the FOM to improve these cars, hopefully already from 2027,” Verstappen added. “In the meantime I will try to take part in other races. I will be at the Nürburgring, and in the coming years I hope to also compete in the 24 Hours of Spa and hopefully the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I would call them positive distractions.”

“I don’t enjoy driving these F1 cars, but I do enjoy working with the team and with all the staff in the new engine department,” Verstappen continued. “I can’t say bad words because the fine would be expensive. I repeat that I have no intention of leaving, but I would like to have more fun behind the wheel in Formula 1, that’s for sure.”

Max Verstappen’s comments in Shanghai highlight a complex dynamic: a driver who remains fiercely loyal to his team and their ambitious engine project, yet feels disconnected from the machinery produced by the current regulations. By mentioning active discussions with the FIA and FOM, Max is positioning himself as a leading voice for the drivers in the push for more “driveable” cars in 2027. Until those changes arrive, his pursuit of endurance classics like Le Mans and the Nürburgring will serve as the competitive outlet he craves. For Red Bull, keeping their star driver engaged means balancing the development of the 2026 car with the “positive distractions” that keep his racing spirit sharp. We’ll se if the FIA takes his feedback to heart for the next regulatory tweak.