Max Verstappen says he is in talks with F1 and the FIA about how to improve the sport’s new rules.
Verstappen has been a vocal critic of the 2026 regulations, which require a 50/50 split between internal combustion engines and electricity, requiring a greater energy deployment strategy, and said he does not enjoy driving the latest cars as much as previous generations.
This casts doubt on the four-time world champion’s long-term future in the sport.
However, speaking at the drivers’ press conference ahead of this weekend’s second race in China, Verstappen said that although he confirmed he would take part in the Nürburgring 24 Hours during the May grand prix schedule this week, he was still “conflicted” about the situation and was committed to helping the sport’s leaders make improvements for the future.
“I really don’t want to quit,” Verstappen said. His contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but is thought to include a break clause.
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2026 Australian Grand Prix Highlights
“Of course I would have enjoyed it a bit more, but I’m also doing other things that I really enjoy. Now I get to race on the Nordschleife, and I hope that in the next few years I’ll be able to race at Spa (the 24-hour race) and hopefully Le Mans as well.”
“So I’m trying to mix things up and find other things that I really enjoy as well. I’m still with the[Verstappen Racing]team, so there’s a lot of distractions at the same time – you could call them positive distractions.”
“But at the same time, it’s a bit contradictory because I don’t really enjoy driving the car, but I enjoy working with all the people on the team and the people in the engine department. It’s almost like a whim… I can’t swear, it’s a 5K (okay) now!”
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Bernie Collins on F1 Show Podcast previews Chinese Grand Prix and why this sprint weekend will bring ‘all kinds of chaos’
“Of course I hope things get better because I don’t want to leave. We’ve talked to F1 and the FIA and we’re working towards something and I hope that makes everything better.”
Speaking about his discussions with sports leaders, Verstappen said: “I really hope that (the same situation) does not happen in the next few years. I hope that we can already make the appropriate improvements for next year.”
“There are several options that we are discussing.”
Verstappen: Red Bull still ‘can’t compete’ with Mercedes and Ferrari
After a crash in qualifying dropped him to 20th on the grid, Verstappen made a strong recovery at last weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix, finishing sixth.
He believed Red Bull’s car and engine still had “a lot of potential” to exploit, but acknowledged there was a clear gap with the cars of Mercedes and Ferrari, which finished in the top four positions in Melbourne.
“For example, if I had started a little earlier, I think my best result would have been one place higher because the top four cars didn’t have the pace,” he said.
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Red Bull’s Max Verstappen crashes into barrier during Q1 of Australian Grand Prix
“There was also a lot of degradation and graining. If we can close that gap a little bit, we’ll see what happens in the upcoming races.”
Asked if this weekend’s race in China would be a better circuit for Red Bull, Verstappen said: “Honestly, it’s a very jungle out there at the moment. I think it’s very difficult to really know.”
“So I hope it closes a bit more, not even bigger than the gap in Melbourne, but obviously we can’t compete in those cars at the moment.”
Sky Sports F1 China GP Schedule
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A look back at the wildest moments captured on camera at the Chinese Grand Prix
Friday, March 13th
1:05am: F1 Academy practice
3:00am: Chinese GP Practice (session starts at 3:30am)*
5:30am: Team boss press conference*
6am: F1 Academy Qualifying*
6:45am: Chinese GP Sprint Qualifying (session starts at 7:30am)*
Saturday, March 14th
2:25am: Chinese GP sprint build-up*
3am: Chinese GP Sprint*
4.30am: Ted’s Sprint Notes*
5:30am: F1 Academy Race 1*
6:30am: Chinese GP qualifying build-up*
7am: Chinese GP Qualifying*
9am: Ted’s Qualification Notebook*
Sunday March 15th
2:35am: F1 Academy Race 2*
5:30am: Preparation for Chinese Grand Prix: Grand Prix Sunday*
7am: Chinese Grand Prix*
9am: Chinese GP reaction: Checkered flag*
10am: Ted’s Notes*
*Also held at Sky Sports Main Event
F1 will hold its first sprint weekend of the 2026 season in Shanghai starting this Friday with the Chinese Grand Prix, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
