Max Verstappen makes V8 engine admission after key F1 and FIA talks

Max Verstappen says he is "willing to accept" waiting until 2030 for the possible re-adoption of V8 engines in F1 after talks with key stakeholders over the rules.

The four-time champion has perhaps been the fiercest critic of F1's new 2026 engine rules, where the power output comes from a 50:50 split between the Internal Combustion Engine and the 350kw battery systems - a change from a roughly 80:20 split in 2025.

Verstappen branded the new cars as "anti-racing" and like "Formula E on steroids" during pre-season testing, and indicated he could be prepared to retire, even before the end of his old contract, which expired in 2028.

He has since put pen to paper on fresh terms to keep him at Red Bull until 2030 - the year FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is targeting for V8 engines to return to grand prix racing for the first time since 2013.

For 2027, the ratio of power output between the ICE and batteries will be modified to increase dependence on the ICE, and again for 2028, up to a level of 60:40 by the third year of the regulatory cycle. 

Whilst accepting it is not perfect, Verstappen has indicated that he could race in F1 into the 2030s if the V8s do return. 

"I've accepted the situation that we're in; I'm personally, of course, not happy with it," Verstappen told media, including RacingNews365, of his stance towards the current engine regulations.

"But at the same time, with the discussions I've had with F1 and the FIA, already trying to make little improvements for next year and the year after, plus the year I signed to, leaving the door open for a potential V8 return, I'm willing to accept that, but at the moment, let's say it is not fantastic.

"I still love racing. It is still a Formula 1 car, and some tracks are better than others, and for sure we know that in some areas, we can improve.

"So hopefully, over the years, it will get a little bit better."