Verstappen confirms he will stay in F1 in 2027

Max Verstappen said on May 23 that he will still be in Formula 1 in 2027, a firmer commitment than the one he gave earlier this week in Montreal. The Red Bull driver did not say he would still be with Red Bull when the 2027 season begins. His comments came after several days of discussion in the paddock about whether changes to the sport’s planned 2027 engine rules had made him more likely to stay. The 28-year-old Dutchman had already signaled on May 21 that revised plans for the 2027 power-unit formula improved the “product” of Formula 1 and made him more inclined to continue. On May 23, he went further, saying, “Yes, definitely,” and adding, “I can confirm that I’ll stay in Formula 1,” according to GPBlog’s account of remarks he made to De Telegraaf. (gpblog.com) ### What exactly did Verstappen confirm? Verstappen confirmed his presence on the 2027 grid, not his employer. GPBlog reported that when asked whether he would still be active in Formula 1 in 2027, he replied: “Yes, definitely. Unless some really crazy things happen, but I don’t expect that.” He then added that he could confirm he would stay in Formula 1. (gpblog.com) May 21 had produced a narrower answer. Reuters reported from Montreal that Verstappen said agreed changes to the 2027 regulations had boosted the likelihood of him continuing, but that he stopped short then of an outright guarantee he would be on the grid next year. ### Why had his future become a live question? (gpblog.com) March and April speculation built around Verstappen’s criticism of the new-generation power units introduced for 2026. Sky Sports reported that he had considered walking away at the end of this season because the rules forced drivers to manage the car in what he saw as an unnatural way to optimize lap time. (thestar.com.my) Montreal became the turning point because Formula 1, the FIA and manufacturers discussed changes that would shift the intended balance of the 2027 package away from the unpopular 50-50 split between combustion and electrical power. Reuters reported that the proposal would move the ratio to 60-40 in favor of the internal combustion engine by increasing fuel flow and cutting electrical power. (skysports.com) ### What did he say about Red Bull? Red Bull remains Verstappen’s current team, and Sky Sports said his contract runs until the end of 2028. But the commitment he gave on May 23 did not extend to Red Bull specifically. In comments reported by GPBlog, Verstappen said: “I’m in no rush, you know. (thestar.com.my) I’d prefer to be connected to Red Bull for the rest of my life.” He added that making that decision “doesn’t have to be today or tomorrow” and said there was “a lot more involved than just the Formula 1 contract,” including other projects he is discussing with Red Bull. (skysports.com) ### Why do the 2027 rules matter so much to him? The proposed 2027 package addresses the issue Verstappen had raised most often: the quality of racing and the way the cars feel to drive. Reuters quoted him on May 21 saying, “I just want a good product in Formula One, and that will for sure improve the product.” Sky Sports separately quoted him calling the direction “definitely” positive and “what the sport needs.” (gpblog.com) Those comments do not amount to a full endorsement of every detail. Reuters said the changes had not yet been formally ratified, and Sky Sports reported that manufacturers still needed to vote before the package goes to the FIA World Motor Sport Council for approval. ### What comes next? (thestar.com.my) The next formal step is regulatory, not contractual. Sky Sports reported that once power-unit manufacturers vote on the final package, the measures will go to the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council to be rubber-stamped. The next team question remains open. (thestar.com.my) Verstappen has now said he expects to be in Formula 1 in 2027, but his May 23 remarks left unresolved whether that season will begin with Red Bull or another team. (gpblog.com) (skysports.com)