Max Verstappen hints at Formula 1 exit over new engines fiasco “it's mentally not doable for me"

Four-time Formula 1 world champion, Verstappen, has long been one of the strongest critics of the new power unit formula introduced this season, which relies heavily on electrical deployment and energy harvesting.

Formula 1 drivers have repeatedly complained that the current engines have reduced their ability to push flat out, with the energy recovery demands forcing unusual driving techniques even during qualifying laps.

One proposed fix, backed by the FIA, would shift the current balance between internal combustion and electrical power from roughly 54:46 to 60:40 in favour of the combustion engine.

The move is designed to reduce energy management and return Formula 1 cars closer to traditional flat-out racing. Verstappen made clear in Montreal that failure to approve the changes could push him out of the sport entirely.

“If it stays like this, it's going to be a long year next year, which I don't want,” the Red Bull driver told reporters. “It's just mentally not doable for me to stay like this. It's really not. There are a lot of other fun things out there,” he added.

Despite the public frustration, Verstappen suggested earlier in the weekend that progress towards the changes had encouraged him to reconsider his long-term future: “It will make the product better, so that means that I'm happier. And that's what I want. To be able to continue and perform well."

However, resistance from manufacturers has complicated attempts to push the proposal through Formula 1’s governance process.

Mercedes and Red Bull are understood to support the changes, while Audi has raised concerns over costs and Ferrari is believed to be cautious about how the move could affect future development opportunities under Formula 1’s new ADUO regulations.

Talks continued throughout the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, with optimism remaining that enough support can still be secured before a formal vote.

Verstappen urged the FIA to impose the changes if necessary: “Let's stay on the positive side – we're still, I think, looking towards making those changes. Of course some people at the moment that 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 side, they just need to do it.”

The debate has exposed the growing divide inside Formula 1 between manufacturers focused on protecting technical investments versus drivers and a larhe swathe of long time F1 fans who believe the current regulations are damaging the ethos of the sport.

The tip of that spear is Verstappen, the sport’s biggest star, openly questioning whether a future dominated by lift-and-coast driving, energy saving and artificial deployment battles is still the Formula 1 he wants to race in.
(Reporting by Agnes Carlier in Montreal)