Max Verstappen makes sharp U-turn on F1 future after FIA proposes rule changes: 'Always wanted to continue'

Max Verstappen has revealed that the proposed changes to engine regulations for the next F1 season have increased the likelihood of him staying in the circuit. The four-time world champion had earlier said he was unsure of continuing in the sport.

Verstappen has been unhappy with F1’s new 2026 engine and chassis regulations and had also said that he is considering leaving the sport at the end of the season. However, he has made a U-turn on that remark with F1 willing to make changes for the next season.

"It's definitely heading into a very positive direction," the Red Bull Racing driver told reporters ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix. "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."

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Verstappen was always willing to stay in F1

The proposal states that the engine formula would move from an even 50-50 split between combustion and electric power to a 60-40 balance in favour of the internal combustion engine. The plan involves increasing fuel flow while reducing electrical deployment, although the revisions still require formal approval and pose significant technical challenges for the teams.

Verstappen said that he was always willing to continue but wanted to see things change.

"Yes or no, it doesn't matter. For me, I'm happy where I'm at. I see the team really progressing, and that's also very exciting to see. For me, I always wanted to continue anyway, but I always wanted to see change, and I think the change that's coming now is definitely very positive.

"Or at least, I would say, almost back to normal. So that's good."

"It was just depending on the future rules," he said. "So what I said before, with the changes hopefully that will happen next year, that will already help a lot.

"Because I've always said it doesn't matter if I had a good car or not. It's just the product and I think the product will improve like that. So naturally I think then the enjoyment will go up as well."

The new rules have hurt Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. The four-time world champion is yet to finish on the podium in the first four races and currently stands seventh in the drivers' standings.