Max Verstappen has once again issued a threat to quit Formula 1, should the proposed power unit regulation changes not go through, describing the current iteration as “mentally not doable.”
Column inches have turned into miles when describing Verstappen’s take on the new ruleset since its introduction this year, the Dutchman having been vocal in his dislike.
The 2026 season has seen not only the regulations hold back Verstappen’s natural instincts as a racing driver, but also seen Red Bull struggle for performance and consistency.
Speculation around Verstappen’s future in F1 has grown like a proverbial beanstalk with the four-time World Champion seeking thrills from other forms of racing.
But on Saturday, an interview with De Telegraaf saw Verstappen confirm his participation in the 2027 season.
The season itself could prove a turning point one way or another, with regulation changes to see the power ratio swing to a 60-40 split in favour of ICE power.
But Verstappen, speaking after qualifying sixth for the Canadian Grand Prix, appeared to be pinning his involvement on whether this indeed comes to fruition.
“Well, if it stays like this, it’s going to be a long year next year, which I don’t want,” he said. “I can tell you, if it stays like this, it’s just mentally not doable.”
Changing F1 PU regs ‘better for the sport as a whole’
Asked if he would be willing to quit or take a sabbatical to see where the metaphorical land lies with F1, Verstappen replied: “There’s a lot of other fun things out there.
“Let’s stay on the positive side. We’re still, I think, 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 FOM side, they just need to do it.
“It would be better for the sport as a whole.”
Whilst it would be churlish to suggest Verstappen is holding the sport to ransom, it would be fair to suggest that, if F1 is already losing fans from the new regulations, how many more does it stand to lose if one of the most exciting and box office drivers is ready to quit?
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