Max Verstappen future boost and FIA engine U-turn headline busy F1 news round-up

The FIA has officially ratified a major shift in Formula 1's power unit roadmap, increasing the internal combustion engine's role through 2028 in a move that Esteban Ocon believes secures Max Verstappen's future on the grid. The decision comes amid ongoing adjustments to the 2026 regulations and fresh concerns over manufacturer struggles and potential gaming of the development allocation system.

Why it matters:

The regulatory overhaul directly addresses complaints that the 2026 framework leaned too heavily on electric power, speculation that had fueled fears Verstappen could leave F1. By stabilizing the technical trajectory with greater ICE emphasis, the FIA is attempting to balance sustainability targets with the competitive realities that keep star drivers and manufacturers committed to the sport.

The details:

• Power Unit Shift: The FIA confirmed a 58-42 ICE-to-battery split for 2027, escalating to 60-40 in 2028, with fuel flow rates increasing 5% and then 8% to compensate for the added combustion power.
• Verstappen Stays: Ocon told Automoto.it that Verstappen "will not go away" now that the power ratio has shifted, dismissing exit rumors tied to the technical regulations.
• Honda's Pledge: Despite Aston Martin scoring just one point in their new partnership, HRC president Koji Watanabe insisted Honda maintains a "long-term commitment" to F1 and that the challenge "remains part of our DNA."
• ADUO Scrutiny: Damon Hill suggested some teams have deliberately masked true ICE performance to avoid being penalized with fewer development opportunities under the new ADUO system, which recently named Red Bull's unit as the benchmark.

What's next:

Manufacturers must now adapt to the evolving 2026-2028 framework while the FIA faces pressure to ensure ADUO fairness. With Honda doubling down on Aston Martin and Verstappen's immediate future looking secure, attention turns to whether the regulatory clarity can translate to tighter on-track competition.