Max Verstappen has issued a fresh warning over his short-term F1 future, insisting it is “mentally not doable” to continue competing under the current regulations if meaningful changes are not made to the cars.
Following the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month, F1, the FIA and the teams reached an agreement in principle to move away from the current 50/50 split between combustion engine power and battery deployment.
The opening rounds of the season have prompted complaints from several drivers about the characteristics of the new cars, with Verstappen among the most outspoken critics of the way they must be driven to extract maximum performance.
However, despite proposals for a revised 60/40 power-unit split from 2027, it now appears that not all manufacturers are aligned on the changes, casting significant doubt over whether the modifications will be implemented.
When asked what a collapse of the potential change would mean for his future, Verstappen told media including ApexF1: “Well, I would say this: it’s going to be a long year next year, which I don’t want. If it stays like this, then let’s see.”
Verstappen was pushed on what he meant by his answer, adding: “It’s just mentally not doable for me to stay.”
The four-time champion stated that the political argument brewing over the proposed rule changes “is Formula 1. It’s simply like that, it’s a bit of a shame.”
Verstappen also denied that he would take a sabbatical from F1, insisting there are “a lot of other fun things out there.”
However, the 28-year-old is still hopeful that the sport can come to an agreement that sees the alterations come into effect, as he called on the governing body to take control of the situation.
“Let’s stay on the positive side,” he stated.
“We’re still looking towards making those changes, and of course, some people at the moment maybe have a bit of an advantage will try to be difficult about it.
“But if the FIA is strong and also from the F1 side, they just need to do it.”
Verstappen added that the FIA overruling an objecting manufacturer would be “better for the sport as a whole”.
