Max Verstappen calls F1 power units “very anti-racing” and makes a simple request for next season
Max Verstappen shared his thoughts again about the new power bank units used in Formula 1 this year, calling them ‘anti-racing’. The Dutch driver made the most of George Russell’s unexpected retirement to finish third at the Canadian Grand Prix this past weekend, earning his first podium of the 2026 season.
Verstappen was happy to be back on the podium and enjoyed another close fight with old rival Lewis Hamilton, while Kimi Antonelli grabbed pole position. After the race, he told Sky Sports, “Because George had to retire, usually the two Mercedes cars would have taken off.”
He added, “For us, it was a positive result. On the soft tyres, we were a bit more competitive, but on the medium tyres, we struggled to get the temperature we needed here. The tyres didn’t grip well, which made it tougher for us. Still, a good result to be on the podium.”
When asked about his latest views on the power banks after the 2027 engine rule changes were announced, Verstappen explained that several drivers feel the current balance between internal combustion and electric power has made qualifying less exciting. The new plan will boost internal combustion engine power by 50kW (67bhp) and reduce electric power by the same amount.
Verstappen likes this new idea but feels a 60/40 split should be the minimum and thinks more adjustments might be needed to find the right balance. He said, “That’s just the start. I know what it’s like to drive pure race cars with real overtakes and natural racing. Right now, it feels a bit against real driving and racing, and that’s not what Formula 1 should be. I really hope next year we can get that 60/40 split because it would help a lot.”
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