Max Verstappen says he is engaged in talks with Formula 1 and the FIA about how to improve the sport’s new rules.
Verstappen has been a vocal critic of the 2026 rules, which have a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power and require more energy-use strategies, stating that he does not enjoy driving the latest cars as much as the previous generation.
It has cast doubt on the four-time world champion’s long-term future in the sport.
But speaking at the Drivers’ Press Conference ahead of this weekend’s second round in China, Verstappen – who this week confirmed his participation in the Nurburgring 24 Hours between May’s grands prix dates – said he was nonetheless “conflicted” about the situation and was committed to helping the sport’s bosses make improvements for the future.
“I don’t really want to leave,” said Verstappen, whose Red Bull contract runs until 2028 but is believed to contain break clauses.
“I definitely wish I had a little more fun, but I also do other things that are a lot of fun. I’m going to drive the Nordschleife. I hope that in the coming years I’ll be doing spa. [24 Hours]hopefully Le Mans.
“So I combine things to find other things that I also think are really fun. I have mine [Verstappen Racing] keep busy, so I have many distractions at the same time – positive distractions I would call it.
“But at the same time it’s a little bit contradictory because I don’t really enjoy driving the car, but I also enjoy working with all the people in the team and from the engine department. It’s almost like a bit of a mind… I can’t swear, it’s 5K [fine] now!
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Speaking on The F1 Show Podcast, Bernie Collins reveals the Chinese Grand Prix and why this sprint weekend will bring ‘all kinds of chaos’
“I don’t want to leave, so of course I also hope it gets better. I’ve had discussions with F1 and the FIA and we’re working towards something and hopefully it will improve everything.”
On the nature of these discussions with the sport’s bosses, Verstappen said: “I certainly hope not [that it’s the same] for the next few years. I already hope for next year that we can make a decent improvement.
“There are a couple of options that we are discussing.”
Sky Sports F1’s Chinese GP programme
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments that have taken place around the Shanghai International Circuit
Friday, March 13
01.05: F1 Academy Practice
03.00: Chinese general practitioner (session starts at 03.30)*
5.30: Team Bosses Press Conference*
06.00: F1 Academy Qualifying*
6.45am: Chinese GP Sprint Qualifying (session starts at 7.30am)*
Saturday 14 March
2.25: Chinese GP Sprint build-up*
03:00: CHINESE GP SPRINT*
4.30: Ted’s Sprint Notebook*
05.30: F1 Academy Race 1*
06.30: Chinese GP qualifying build-up*
07.00: CHINESE GP QUALIFYING*
9:00am: Ted’s qualification notebook*
Sunday 15 March
02.35: F1 Academy Race 2*
5.30: Chinese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
07.00: THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX*
9:00: Chinese medical reaction: Checkered flag*
10:00: Ted’s Notebook*
*Also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 is in Shanghai for the first sprint weekend of the 2026 season at the Chinese Grand Prix from Friday, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime