F1 engine rules could make the cars feel almost normal again, Max Verstappen said Friday, a change he called likely to increase his chances of staying in the sport as officials and manufacturers negotiate for next season.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, held May 22 to May 24, Verstappen said the plan to alter power-unit rules next year should reduce the heavy energy management drivers now face.
“This will make the product better, and I will be happier,” Verstappen said. “That way I can keep performing well. I have wanted to see changes, and what we are discussing now is very positive, it almost feels normal again.”
Verstappen had signaled uncertainty about his future after the Japanese Grand Prix, citing changes in the driving experience caused by this season’s new power units. He also praised his recent outing at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, saying the endurance race was his first, he enjoyed the team aspect, and he would return when his Formula One schedule allows.
Proposed changes to F1 engine rules
Team principals, engine manufacturers, and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have agreed in principle to increase internal combustion engine power while reducing the electric motor’s share of total output, people familiar with the talks said.
The aim is to cut the need for drivers to manage energy levels on every lap, sources said, and to restore more conventional throttle response at high-speed sections.
The technical fix most likely would be an increase in permitted fuel flow, officials say, a step that would affect engine design and require larger fuel tanks. Teams are still negotiating technical detail, timing, and cost, with Montreal talks set to continue this weekend.
Drivers and teams react to the engine rule talks
When asked whether the changes would make him more likely to remain in Formula One, Verstappen said, “Absolutely. I just want F1 to have a good product, and this will certainly improve it.”
McLaren driver Lando Norris called the direction “welcome for all of us drivers,” while his teammate Oscar Piastri said reducing the electric share was the right move, though he added there are still unresolved issues.
Mercedes driver George Russell agreed the change would be positive, noting that current cars can lose nearly half their power on long straights when the engine switches to charging mode under the existing rules.
Timing, cost, and technical hurdles
Even with broad agreement on direction, engineers and manufacturers warn the window to implement the changes by next season is tight. Increasing fuel flow affects packaging and safety, and greater fuel capacity can change car weight distribution.
Officials say the debate now centers on reconciling technical feasibility with budget constraints, because rushing a redesign could raise costs for smaller engine suppliers and teams.
FIA representatives, team engineers, and engine-makers are expected to continue detailed talks in Montreal this weekend, with any formal rule proposal dependent on agreement about timing and cost sharing.
For now, drivers and team representatives said they are encouraged by the direction of the discussions, and they hope the F1 engine rules will deliver a car that rewards driving skill over micromanaged energy conservation.
