Max Verstappen responds to F1 engine regs change after FIA announcement

Max Verstappen has revealed his ideal split between internal combustion and electrical power just one day after the FIA announced changes to F1 engine regulations for the 2027 campaign.

Like several F1 drivers, four-time world champion Verstappen has been honest in his criticism of the 2026 F1 regulation changes.

The Red Bull driver, who currently sits seventh in the standings after four races – in Australia, China, Japan and Miami – has compared the sport under the new regulations to Formula E, saying it is less “fun”, “anti-racing” and like “playing Mario Kart”, while also hinting at potential retirement.

Many others, including McLaren’s Lando Norris and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, have shared a similar opinion, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton has suggested that the sport’s decision-makers should have been more involved in discussions ahead of the 2026 campaign. Hamilton’s team-mate Charles Leclerc has also been critical of the regulations.

Refinements to the regulations were made ahead of last week’s Miami Grand Prix, with further changes announced for 2027 on Friday (May 8).

FIA confirm 2027 engine regs change

In a statement, the FIA confirmed an agreement in principle had been reached following a meeting with stakeholders, including power unit manufacturers – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull Powertrains, Audi and Honda.

Part of the statement read: “The measures agreed in principle today for 2027 would see a nominal increase in Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power by ~50kW, with a fuel-flow increase and a nominal reduction of the Energy Recovery System (ERS) deployment power by ~50kW,” the statement continued.

“It was agreed that further detailed discussion in technical groups comprising teams and power unit manufacturers was required before the final package was decided.

“The final proposals presented during today’s meeting are the result of a series of consultations over the past few weeks between the FIA and multiple stakeholders, with invaluable input from F1 drivers.

“The next step is to formally present these regulatory changes, once refined, for a World Motor Sport Council e-vote, once the power unit manufacturers have voted on this package.”

Verstappen responds with engine recommendation

Currently, F1 power units are powered by a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical energy, although the changes for 2027 will see a 55/45 or even 60/40 split, according to reports.

In 2025, F1 teams used 1.6-litre V6 hybrid power units, with the majority of the power produced through internal combustion.

But Verstappen believes moving to an 80/20 split would “help a lot”.

Speaking to Autosport, the Dutchman said: “We simply need to move away from that 55-45 split. We need to go back towards how it was under the previous hybrid regulations, at the very least. If you get back to 75% or 80% combustion engine, that would already help a lot.”

F1 returns later this month, with the Canadian Grand Prix scheduled for May 24.