Verstappen reiterates his threat to leave F1 as the 2027 rule discontent intensifies.

      Max Verstappen has once again suggested that he might leave Formula 1 if the sport moves away from the planned engine rule changes for 2027. Just days after feeling reassured by the FIA's commitment to lessen the electrical focus of the 2026 regulations, the Red Bull driver is now openly frustrated amid reports that some manufacturers are resisting the agreed revisions.

      "I can't continue like this. No way," Verstappen stated in Montreal. "If it remains this way, next season will be long, and I don’t want that."

      While he stopped just short of directly threatening to retire, he implied the possibility. When asked if he could leave Formula 1 if the plans are delayed or scrapped, Verstappen remarked: "If it stays that way... well, we’ll see," adding that Formula 1 is "absolutely not enjoyable" for him right now.

      He hinted that political maneuvering from certain manufacturers is hindering progress. "Not all teams are in agreement," he noted. "That’s how Formula 1 operates."

      The four-time world champion seemed to specifically point to resistance from Ferrari, while indicating that Mercedes is still supportive of the proposed direction for 2027. "If the FIA is strong and the FOM is too, they just need to proceed with this," Verstappen asserted.

      At the same time, Verstappen's increasing interest in GT racing has fueled speculation about his long-term future in Formula 1. Following his widely praised appearance at the Nurburgring 24-hour race, some fans suggested that his racing at Nordschleife was more thrilling than modern Formula 1. "Yes, I understand that," Verstappen acknowledged to De Telegraaf. "There’s a lot of action on the Nordschleife. It feels pure, and the overtakes don’t seem artificial. It’s brutal and unforgiving."

      He also criticized the current Formula 1 calendar. "In Formula 1, we race on beautiful tracks, but also on lesser ones," he commented. Verstappen is now even contemplating adding the 24 Hours of Daytona to his schedule for early next year. "If I wanted to do that, I would need to adjust my entire training regimen," he said. "I would also need to discuss it with my family. It's just an idea for now, not yet concrete."

      However, in Montreal, Verstappen is facing a particularly challenging weekend in the RB22. He has repeatedly complained about severe bouncing and inadequate straight-line speed, joking that he needed "a new back" instead of a new car. "You arrive slower at certain corners because you have to slow down so much," Verstappen explained. "This also changes your braking point."

      Team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged that Red Bull had intentionally experimented with the setup despite the discomfort it caused. "Sorry Max, we know this was frustrating," Mekies communicated over the team radio. "But we have a lot to learn. It’s painful, but this data is necessary."