Even after the latest rule changes for the Miami Grand Prix, Max Verstappen is still not a big fan of the new Formula 1
According to Max Verstappen, Formula 1 must move toward an 80-20 split between internal combustion engines and electric components in the future. For the upcoming season, a compromise solution is needed to at least address the biggest problems with the current regulations.
Speaking to our sister site Autosport, the four-time world champion emphasizes that even the latest changes for the Miami Grand Prix have not impressed him: “No, the rule changes this weekend don’t make much of a difference to the driving.”
Red Bull was able to close the gap on Mercedes thanks to a number of updates. Nevertheless, Verstappen explains: “My criticism of the regulations remains the same.”
“It doesn’t matter whether I’m in second or eighth place. The car feels a bit more comfortable to me, but the rules need to be improved.”
A major problem for the drivers is that the classic instinct to drive through a corner as fast as possible is often not rewarded under the current regulations. This phenomenon persists even after the changes for Miami, as Lando Norris explained after qualifying.
“That feels really strange,” Verstappen agreed. “There are still situations where you go full throttle through a corner, only to lose time on the following straight. We need to move away from that.”
No solution for 2026?
This year, however, Verstappen no longer expects a fix for the regulations. “It will be particularly difficult on some tracks,” he assessed. “But hopefully we can take a bigger step next year. More power for the internal combustion engine and less battery power—that will solve a lot of problems.”
“We simply have to move away from the 55-45 split. We have to do it at least the way it was under the last hybrid rules. If you use 75 or 80 percent internal combustion engine, that would help a lot.”
Nevertheless, Verstappen remains realistic and emphasizes: “That will take a while.”
The Red Bull driver also praises the chassis and notes that the 55-45 split, in particular, is the main problem.
Since the 2026 season, Formula 1 has been trying to bring the output of the internal combustion engine and the power of the battery to nearly the same level. One of the goals was to attract new manufacturers like Audi or Cadillac to Formula 1 with these regulations.
Changes for 2027
We can expect further rule changes in 2027. While the internal combustion engine is set to start with an additional 50 kW, the electric motor’s power would decrease by 50 kW. To achieve this, adjustments such as modifying the fuel flow or building larger tanks were necessary, which Verstappen does not see as a major obstacle:
“These fuel tank issues are easy to solve. It’s more about engine components, but that’s always a political issue, because everyone always believes they have advantages or disadvantages somewhere.”
In summary, Verstappen sums up his vision for the future as follows: “I’m just thinking about how to improve the sport. You shouldn’t be driving through a corner at full throttle—where you gain time—only to be penalized on the next straight. We need to eliminate that.”