Max Verstappen has welcomed Formula 1's newly announced regulation changes for 2027, calling them the least the sport could do to address concerns over the current direction. The Red Bull driver said the planned shift back toward greater reliance on the internal combustion engine represents meaningful progress and aligns with what he has been pushing for.
Speaking in Canada ahead of the Montreal weekend, Verstappen reiterated his long-standing criticism of the 2026 power unit framework, which targets a roughly 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power. He has argued that this balance left the cars power-limited and turned sessions into energy management exercises; tweaks introduced ahead of the Miami Grand Prix eased, but did not eliminate, those issues. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve's power-sensitive layout is unlikely to flatter the current configuration.
He said of the rule situation in Canada: "It's definitely heading into a very positive direction."
"I think it's like the minimum I was hoping for, and I think it's really nice that that's what they want to do. That's definitely what I think also the sport needs," he added.
Asked whether such changes would help persuade him to remain in Formula 1, Verstappen replied: "Yes, definitely." He continued: "I mean, I just want a good product in Formula 1, and that will for sure improve the product."
"I mean, like I said before, it will make the product better," he maintained. "So that means that I'm happier, and that's what I want to be able to continue in Formula 1. Yes or no? Well, it doesn't matter."
"I mean, for me, I'm happy where I'm at. I see the team really progressing, and that's also very exciting to see. And for me, I always wanted to continue anyway, but I always wanted to see change," he said. Red Bull upgraded their RB22 in Miami, which proved to be a step in the right direction.
However, there is still some time before the 2027 changes are ratified, with typical F1 politicking among power unit manufacturers ongoing. Some, especially Mercedes, who have a dominant package, may not like to shift away from the current setup. Verstappen cautioned: "We have to wait and see until it's fully confirmed. But that definitely needs to happen."
Verstappen said he has discussed the direction of the rules with Formula One Management and the FIA this year, suggesting his stature has helped amplify the drivers' perspective. "I mean, the more you also achieve in the sport, I think, naturally, you have a bit more of a voice. But, yeah, of course, I'm very happy.">
"In the beginning of the year, I had a few meetings with FOM and then, of course, with other drivers, with the FIA as well. It's just great that they're open-minded and they listen to the drivers. Because I think we speak, or at least most of us speak, in the interest of the sport."
"We just want to make it a better product, and that's why you come up with recommendations. And I think what they are trying to do is definitely the right thing," he concluded.
What to watch next: Final confirmation of the 2027 package remains pending after further consultation. In the meantime, the power-sensitive Circuit Gilles Villeneuve offers an immediate test of the current regulations Verstappen has railed against.
---
