Verstappen warns F1 exit is 'mentally not doable' if 2027 power unit reform fails

Max Verstappen has renewed his threat to quit Formula 1, saying it would be “mentally not doable” for him to continue if the sport fails to overhaul its power unit regulations for 2027 — a reform that appeared close to agreement but is now in serious doubt.

The FIA had announced an “agreement in principle” among stakeholders to increase fuel flow to internal combustion engines and shift the power balance to a 60-40 split between combustion and electric energy, up from the current arrangement under the 2026 regulations. However, in the days following that meeting, several manufacturers have backtracked or raised objections over the timeline, with some pushing to delay the full change until 2028 and make only a modest adjustment next year.

Speaking on Thursday, four-time world champion Verstappen — the most vocal critic of the current regulations — called the 60-40 proposal a “very positive” step, but warned of the consequences if paddock politics derail it. “I can tell you if it stays like this, then.... let’s see,” he said. “It’s just mentally not doable for me to stay like this, absolutely not.”

Verstappen’s Red Bull team, which develops its own power unit in partnership with Ford, supports the proposed change, as does Mercedes. The Dutchman joined Williams driver Carlos Sainz in calling on the FIA to use its authority to force the reform through — a move the governing body could theoretically justify on safety grounds.

“That’s Formula 1 for you. It’s simply like that. It’s a bit of a shame,” Verstappen said of the political wrangling. “Let’s stay on the positive side. We’re still looking towards making those changes. And of course, some people that at the moment maybe have a bit of an advantage will try to be difficult about it. But if the FIA is strong and also from the F1 [management] side, they just need to do it.”

Having spent a decade in the sport, Verstappen said he was not surprised the proposal had become contentious, noting that teams with a competitive edge under the current balance have an incentive to resist change. Whether the FIA chooses to override those objections will likely determine not only the shape of the 2027 regulations, but also whether its most decorated active driver remains on the grid to race under them.