Verstappen says he'd quit F1 if 2027 rule changes are blocked
Max Verstappen has made clear that if planned rule changes for next year are blocked then he will not stick around in Formula 1.
The four-time F1 world champion had come into the Canadian Grand Prix optimistic that moves to make the current cars better for 2027 would make things more normal and allow him to enjoy F1 again.
This is why he spoke openly at the start of the weekend about committing to remaining at Red Bull, despite uncertainty about his future earlier this year amid his open dislike of the new cars.
However, it has since emerged that plans for hardware changes for next year - to shift the balance between combustion and electrical energy to 60/40 - could be derailed because of a lack of support.
While it is understood that Red Bull and Mercedes are in favour of the move, other manufacturers are not supportive and want any major redesign delayed until 2028.
This is because of either costs or the consequences it will mean for F1's catch-up mechanism known as ADUO (Additional Design and Upgrade Opportunities).
While the FIA and F1 are working hard to try to find some common ground between manufacturers that will get some changes through, there is a risk that grand prix racing may have to wait until 2028 before being able to implement a substantial shift.
And for Verstappen that is too long to wait, he says, because he could not stomach another full year with the cars as they are.
"If it stays like this, it's going to be a long year next year, which I don't want," he said after qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix.
"It's just mentally not doable for me to stay like this. Absolutely not."
Asked if he would perhaps consider a sabbatical to come back for 2028 if things improved, he said: "No. There's a lot of other fun things out there."
Pushing the FIA
While the FIA managed after the Miami GP to get all teams to agree in principle to hardware changes for next year, its hopes of getting them easily implemented have been derailed by some manufacturers now being resistant.
Verstappen well understands that politics are a constant in F1, but he hopes that the governing body stands firm and forces change through.
"Let's stay on the positive side - we're still, I think, looking towards making those changes," he said.
"Of course some people at the moment that 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."
Asked if he backed Carlos Sainz's viewpoint that the FIA should be hard about things and push changes through, Verstappen said: "Of course. I agree. And it will be better for the sport as a whole."
