Max Verstappen offers FIA full backing as major decision looms

Max Verstappen has offered the FIA his full backing to "make the right call" regarding a move to a 60/40 power unit split next season, favouring a greater internal combustion engine contribution.

The Dutchman has been incredibly vocal in his opposition to the new power unit regulations introduced to F1 this year, describing them on multiple occasions as "anti-racing".

Following a podium finish in Montreal, the four-time world champion outlined that, for him to remain in F1 beyond 2026, the minimum change required is a 60/40 power unit split.

Whether a change to the power unit regulations will be introduced next season remains to be seen, with Ferrari and Audi rumoured to be opposed to it until 2028.

Verstappen has been critical of the emphasis on energy management and of qualifying sessions not always being driven flat out, something that is not an issue at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

While the 28-year-old is not enjoying the new rules, he has praised the FIA for engaging with the drivers to address the current concerns and has expressed confidence that the right decision will be made.

Asked if he is urging Red Bull to push harder for new rules or if he is simply awaiting a decision from the FIA, Verstappen explained: "I mean, to be honest, I think these discussions are ongoing, so that's not up to me now. 

"But, you know, I fully believe and trust that, on the FIA side, they will make the right call for motorsport and F1 in general in the future, so I leave that up to them.

"I think I've said everything that I wanted to say, and at the same time, I think what has already been very good this year is that we have been involved in the discussions, and they've been a lot more open. Actually having meetings with them was great.

"I think that's exactly what we need to do in the future as well. Then, I think this could have been avoided a little bit, but yeah, I think a lot of positive steps have already been taken this year for the future."