Verstappen dismisses Mercedes engine rumors, confirms switch to No. 3

Max Verstappen has broken his silence regarding the alleged "compression ratio trick" Mercedes may utilize for the 2026 power unit regulations, dismissing the technical debate to focus on his driving. The Dutchman also confirmed he will revert to using number 3 next season after losing the world title to Lando Norris.

Why it matters:

As Formula 1 prepares for a massive regulatory overhaul in 2026, power unit performance is expected to define the next era. While manufacturers scramble to find loopholes for competitive advantages, Verstappen's indifference highlights the driver's priority: extracting performance regardless of the engineering politics behind the scenes.

The details:

• The Rumor: Reports suggest Mercedes has found a grey area in the 2026 rules to lower the compression ratio from 18:1 to 16:1, potentially unlocking significant power gains.
• Verstappen's Stance: When asked by Bloomberg, Verstappen refused to be drawn into the speculation. He stated it is "impossible to know" what rivals are doing and emphasized that resolving technical regulations is the job of the FIA and manufacturers, not the drivers.
• Number Change: Having lost the right to carry number 1, Verstappen will run with number 3 in 2026. He has long favored this number, which was famously used by Daniel Ricciardo during their time together at Red Bull.

What's next:

With the 2026 season on the horizon, the technical arms race will likely intensify as teams finalize their power unit concepts. Verstappen, meanwhile, remains focused on the track, aiming to reclaim the championship regardless of the engineering advantages competitors may secure.