Max Verstappen lands big F1 rule change he asked for, while Red Bull future stays unclear
Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen is finally going to get the big rule change he’s been hoping for, as talks about his racing future continue.
This year, Verstappen and Red Bull have had a tough time in 2026. The four-time champion is currently sixth in the standings and hasn’t won a single race all season. He’s scored 109 points with four podiums but has struggled a lot with the car and its performance.
Red Bull’s drop in competitiveness comes after new rules about chassis and power units were introduced. Verstappen has been quite vocal about his concerns, especially about the increase in the hybrid system’s electric power. Right now, the electrical energy is split almost 50:50 in races, but Max has been pushing to bring that ratio back in 2027 and 2028.
His worries gained more attention after Oliver Bearman’s big crash in Japan, which led to some small rule changes before the Miami Grand Prix. Many have called the 2026 rules dangerous for drivers, and Verstappen is now closer to seeing the changes he wants.
Formula 1 will shift to a 58:42 electric-to-combustion energy split in 2027, aiming for 60:40 by 2028—that’s the minimum split Verstappen feels good about. Stefano Domenicali, F1’s CEO, shared that he’s talked with Max about these changes.
Max’s concerns are clear: the current 50:50 split forces unnatural driving and too much electric power. The new plans will increase the engine’s combustion role and adjust power characteristics, easing those issues.
Domenicali told the media that drivers who have tested the upcoming changes already think they’re moving in the right direction. He also said, “I’ve discussed this with Max.” But he made sure to say that the rule changes aren’t just because of Max—teams, manufacturers, and the FIA also have to agree.
They wanted to make the changes happen faster and more aggressively, but the teams decided to spread them out over two years to keep costs down.
By 2028, Verstappen will finally get the 60:40 ratio he wants, which Domenicali believes will make him “very happy.” This comes amid rumors that Max might leave the sport, but the CEO thinks he’ll stick around. He says Max loves Formula 1 and is excited about what’s next.
“I have a great relationship with him,” Domenicali said. “This sport is big enough for Max to be a major part of it, but of course, he’ll decide his future. We are talking about that and the rules ahead. I believe Max will stay, and I really hope he does.”