Max Verstappen talks Red Bull contract and F1 engine rules
Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen discusses his contract extension with Red Bull through 2030 and his views on modern regulations.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Max Verstappen signed a contract extension keeping him at Red Bull until 2030.
- The four-time world champion admits the car lacks performance and balance.
- He criticized modern F1 engines for making cars feel numb to driver inputs.
Max Verstappen is in a no-nonsense mood, offering a remarkably uncompromising perspective in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport following his contract extension with Red Bull. Speaking at Monza, the second race weekend since signing a two-year extension that theoretically runs through 2030, the Dutch driver made it clear that performance clauses still leave the door open for future changes if the team fails to remain competitive.
Verstappen discussed why he extended his stay with his long-time team, while also addressing his discussions with McLaren and Mercedes, his thrilling outing at the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May, and his well-documented frustrations with Formula 1's engine regulations.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Assessing how the current season has unfolded, Verstappen admitted that changes are urgently needed for next year's car. He noted that the current chassis lacks overall performance and suffers from inconsistent balance through corner entry, apex, and exit phases—issues that have persisted across regulatory eras.
Verstappen's candid critique of modern Formula 1 machinery highlights the ongoing technical challenges teams face under current hybrid regulations. His willingness to engage in discussions with rival teams like McLaren underscores the high stakes involved in keeping a generational talent satisfied with car development.
Furthermore, his preference for traditional V8 engines speaks to a broader debate within the sport regarding driver engagement versus technological complexity.
Delving into his distaste for the hybrid engine rules and battery recharging requirements, Verstappen explained how modern power units detract from a driver's ability to extract lap time through pure commitment. He argued that current cars are too heavy and feel numb to precise driver inputs compared to older regulations.
"It has to go back to a V8, just for drivability already. When you drive the old cars, you cannot imagine the difference in how the engine responds..."
Max Verstappen
Despite his frustrations with F1's technical direction, Verstappen remains deeply passionate about competition. He reflected fondly on his endurance racing experience at the Nordschleife during the Nurburgring 24 Hours, praising the purity of motorsport before a broken driveshaft ended their race win hopes.
Source: BBC Sport
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