Verstappen: Staying in F1 'mentally not doable' without fixing 2026 engine rules

Max Verstappen has issued a stark warning about his future in Formula 1, saying it is "mentally not doable" to stay if the sport cannot fix its flawed 2026 power unit regulations. The four-time world champion is backing a proposed shift to a 60-40 split between combustion power and electric energy, but the change is now in jeopardy as manufacturers push back on timelines.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's threat to leave adds urgency to a regulatory crisis that could reshape F1's competitive landscape. The Dutch driver has been the loudest critic of the current 2026 power unit rules, which he believes compromise the racing experience. His departure would be a massive blow to the sport's star power and marketability.

The details:

• The FIA tabled a proposal to increase fuel flow and move to a 60-40 combustion-to-electric split for 2027, which received "agreement in principle" from stakeholders.
• In the days following that meeting, several manufacturers backtracked or voiced objections, with some preferring to delay major changes to 2028 and make only a smaller adjustment for next year.
• Verstappen's Red Bull team, which builds its own engines with Ford, supports the change, as does Mercedes.
• The Dutch driver joined Williams' Carlos Sainz in urging the FIA to step in and force the changes through, which it could theoretically do on safety grounds.
• "That's Formula 1 for you. It's simply like that. It's a bit of a shame," Verstappen said of the political maneuvering. "If the FIA is strong and also from the F1 side, they just need to do it."

What's next:

The fate of the 60-40 split now rests on whether the FIA can overcome manufacturer opposition and enforce the change. With Verstappen's future potentially hanging in the balance, the pressure is on to reach a resolution before the 2027 season. If the regulations stay as they are, the sport risks losing its most dominant driver at the peak of his career.