Max Verstappen appears increasingly hopeful that Formula 1’s bitter dispute over the controversial F1 regulations will end in compromise rather than stalemate.
After months of criticism and repeatedly warning he could reconsider his long-term future in the sport, the four-time world champion now sounds cautiously optimistic.
“Let’s wait and see what comes out,” Verstappen said in Monaco.
“I’ve said everything I want to say about it. It is now up to the FIA and Formula 1 to make a decision on that together. I hope they make the right choice for the sport.”
According to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, Formula 1, the FIA and the manufacturers are now moving closer to a compromise ahead of a June 14 deadline.
The FIA originally proposed a major shift in the power split from the current 54-46 balance toward even greater combustion-engine performance, including a significant increase in fuel flow and roughly 68 extra horsepower from the V6 engines.
However, Audi, Honda and Ferrari raised concerns about the cost, timing and technical implications of such a major change.
A compromise now under discussion would involve a more modest 5 percent increase in fuel flow combined with a planned reduction in aerodynamic downforce for 2027.
The aim would be to reduce the unpopular lift-and-coast and energy-saving techniques without forcing manufacturers into costly redesigns.
When asked if he had made clear that the regulations could influence his future in Formula 1, Verstappen smiled: “I think they’re reading that, right?”
The Dutchman also praised the FIA for involving drivers more directly in discussions.
“What has been very, very good this year is that we are involved in the discussions and that they have been much more open,” Verstappen said. “That we were having meetings with them was amazing. I think this is exactly what we need to do in the future.”
“I do think that we have already taken a lot of positive steps for the future this year.”
Williams driver and GPDA director Carlos Sainz also backed more significant revisions.
“We’re going to need some big changes for next year if we want to reach a point where these regulations are at least somewhat decent for the drivers,” the Spaniard said.
Honda, meanwhile, appears increasingly open to compromise despite earlier concerns about development timelines.
Honda’s Shintaro Orihara described a proposed 60-40 split between combustion and electric power as “a good direction”, although he stressed that timing remains critical.
“We need to know as soon as possible,” Orihara said. “Otherwise, especially from a reliability standpoint, it’s critical.”
