Max Verstappen has signalled his intention to stay in F1 beyond the 2026 season after initial doubt earlier in the year.
Following the Japanese GP, Verstappen indicated that such was his displeasure with the 2026 regulations that he could walk away from grand prix racing at the end of the season.
However, steps have been taken to modify the technical regulations since, with the first raft of changes coming in for Miami, with a larger package, focused on the power output split between the internal combustion engine and the batteries due for introduction next season.
This will see a revised 60:40 split between the two, as opposed to the much-heralded 50:50 at present, although a critical meeting is to take place this weekend after some power unit manufacturers signalled they could seek a delay on this until 2028.
However, for Verstappen, he has said that “unless crazy things happen,” he will be on the grid for his 13th F1 season in 2027.
“Yes, definitely. Unless very crazy things happen, but I don’t assume that,” Verstappen told de Telegraaf when asked if he would be racing in F1 in the 2027 season.
“I hope everyone keeps their word, but I can confirm that I will stay in Formula 1.
“I would not take a sabbatical, I’m not the person for that. If I stop, I stop completely. That’s just not on the cards right now.
“The ratio of combustion engine to electric engine will then be about 60:40, a bit depending on the track. It’s not quite right yet, but it is a step in the right direction, and certainly an improvement over the current situation.”
The attention then turned to whether Verstappen would stay with Red Bull for next season or look to move elsewhere.
“I’m not in a hurry. I’d prefer to stay connected to Red Bull for the rest of my life, I’ve always said that,” continued the four-time champion.
“But making that decision doesn’t have to be today or tomorrow. Whether it is here or somewhere else, there is much more to it than the F1 contract alone.
“Then I am also talking about all the other projects. I am also in talks with Red Bull about that.
“I’m very relaxed about it myself. We shouldn’t make it too dramatic. Even if it doesn’t work out, it’s fine for me. That’s how I am in life.”
