Verstappen threatens F1 exit if 2027 rule changes are blocked

Max Verstappen has made clear that if planned rule changes for next year are blocked, 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.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen's threat is significant for F1's future, as the sport's biggest star could walk away if the current generation of cars, which he has repeatedly criticized, remains unchanged beyond 2026.
• His departure would be a massive blow to Red Bull and F1's global appeal, especially with new regulations already on the horizon.

The details:

• While Red Bull and Mercedes are in favor of the 2027 changes, other manufacturers are not supportive and want any major redesign delayed until 2028.
• The resistance stems from either costs or the consequences for F1's catch-up mechanism known as ADUO (Additional Design and Upgrade Opportunities).
• The FIA and F1 are working to find common ground, but there is a risk that grand prix racing may have to wait until 2028 before implementing a substantial shift.
• For Verstappen, that is too long to wait. "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 consider a sabbatical to return for 2028 if things improved, he replied: "No. There's a lot of other fun things out there."

What's next:

• Verstappen hopes the FIA stands firm and forces change through, despite political resistance from some manufacturers. "If the FIA is strong and also from the FOM side, they just need to do it," he said.
• He backed Carlos Sainz's viewpoint that the FIA should push changes through, adding: "It will be better for the sport as a whole."
• The coming weeks will be critical as F1's governing body tries to broker a deal that keeps its reigning champion on the grid.