Max Verstappen is willing to wait until 2030 for a possible return of V8 engines to Formula 1. After talks with the category and the FIA about the regulations, the Red Bull Racing driver stated that he accepted the current scenario, although he remains dissatisfied with the new power units.
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The Dutchman was one of the main critics of the 2026 regulation, which began to evenly split power generation between the internal combustion engine and the 350 kW battery system. Before the change, the ratio was approximately 80/20 in favor of the combustion engine.
During pre-season testing, Verstappen described the new cars as ‘anti-racing’ and compared them to a ‘Formula E on steroids’. At the time, the four-time world champion also indicated that he might leave the category before the end of his previous contract, which would have ended in 2028. However, he later renewed with Red Bull until 2030, the year in which FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali intend to enable the return of the V8s.
For the coming years, changes in power distribution are already planned. In 2027, the combustion engine’s share will be increased, and in 2028, the ratio could reach 60/40. Verstappen also highlighted that his talks with F1 and the FIA already address possible improvements for 2027 and 2028.
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“I accepted the situation we are in, personally, of course, I’m not happy with it. With the discussions I had with F1 and the FIA, already trying to make small improvements for next year and the year after, beyond the year I signed for, leaving the door open for a possible return of the V8, I’m willing to accept that,” Verstappen said.
Despite the criticism, the Dutch driver made it clear that he remains motivated to compete: “I still love racing. It’s still a Formula 1 car,” he said, adding that some circuits are more favorable than others, and that there are areas where the cars can improve. For Verstappen, the expectation is that the category’s behavior will gradually evolve in the coming years.
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