formula 1
Verstappen: “It’s not feasible for me to continue like this”
May 24, 2026Reading time: 2 minutes
Max Verstappen is linking his stay at Red Bull to a pending engine decision from the FIA. He had previously expressed himself differently.
After qualifying for the Grand Prix in Montreal, Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen once again threatened to retire early. The Red Bull driver makes his whereabouts dependent on whether the FIA reforms the controversial new hybrid engines this season.
On Saturday evening local time, Verstappen said: “If it stays like it is now, next year will be a long year, and I don’t want that. It’s just mentally not feasible for me to continue like this. Really not.”
The Dutchman had confirmed his whereabouts for 2027 in the Dutch “Telegraaf” on the same morning. There he said: “Yeah, sure. Unless really crazy things happen, but I don’t expect that.” His contract with Red Bull Racing runs until 2028.
“Then they just have to go through with it.”
The core of the dispute is the hybrid drives introduced for the current season. The new engines distribute the power almost evenly between the combustion engine and the electric motor. The system is not fully developed and leads to a lack of energy when drivers drive the cars at the limit. At the beginning of May, the FIA presented a possible solution: the combustion engine should supply around 60 percent of the energy again from next season. A final vote is still pending.
Red Bull and Mercedes have shown themselves open to the changes. Audi and Ferrari have not yet taken a clear position. The necessary increased fuel flow would require short-term technical adjustments. A decision would therefore have to be made quickly.
Despite his sharp words, Verstappen also expressed confidence: “Let’s stay positive. I think we’re still working towards these changes. If the Fia remains strong and those responsible for Formula 1 are behind it, then they just have to see it through.”
