Max Verstappen says Formula 1 rule changes for 2027 is the minimum he was hoping for

Verstappen has been vocal with his criticism of the 2026 F1 power unit regulations with the 50-50 power delivery ratio between internal combustion and electricity.

As racing and qualifying became energy management exercises with the 2026 F1 cars being power deprived, the sport moved to make some changes ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, which made matters less bad rather than better.

This weekend's race in Canada will not be expected to favor the current regulations, with the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve layout requiring high levels of power from the cars.

But then the FIA and Formula 1 announced more changes for 2027, which will shift the impact of the power delivery balance more towards the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said V8s will power F1 cars from 2030/31 onwards.

Verstappen, who has hinted he may walk away from F1 if he doesn't enjoy the racing and the current situation doesn't change, is looking positively on the 2027 rule changes.

He said of the rule situation in Canada: "It's definitely heading into a very positive direction.

"I think it's like the minimum I was hoping for, and I think it's really nice that that's what they want to do. That's definitely what I think also the sport needs," he added.

"Yes, definitely," he responded when asked if the changes will convince him to remain in F1. "I mean, I just want a good product in Formula 1, and that will for sure improve the product.

"I mean, like I said before, it will make the product better," he maintained. "So that means that I'm happier, and that's what I want to be able to continue in Formula 1. Yes or no? Well, it doesn't matter.

"I mean, for me, I'm happy where I'm at. I see the team really progressing, and that's also very exciting to see.

"And for me, I always wanted to continue anyway, but I always wanted to see change," he said, hinting the competitiveness of Red Bull's car was never the reason behind his discontent. The team have upgraded their RB22 in Miami, which proved to be a step in the right direction.

However, there is still some time before the 2027 changes are ratified, with typical F1 politicking going on between power unit manufacturers behind the scenes, as some, especially Mercedes, who have a dominant package, may not like to shift away from the current setup.

Verstappen commented: "We have to wait and see until it's fully confirmed. But that definitely needs to happen."

Verstappen revealed that he has had several discussions with the sport's management and its governing body, claiming his stature helped in pushing for change.

He said: "I mean, the more you also achieve in the sport, I think, naturally, you have a bit more of a voice. But, yeah, of course, I'm very happy.

"In the beginning of the year, I had a few meetings with FOM and then, of course, with other drivers, with the FIA as well. It's just great that they're open-minded and they listen to the drivers. Because I think we speak, or at least most of us speak, in the interest of the sport.

"We just want to make it a better product, and that's why you come up with recommendations. And I think what they are trying to do is definitely the right thing," the Dutchman concluded. (Reporting by Agnes Carlier)