Max Verstappen 'weakness' raised over major F1 plea

Former F1 strategist Bernie Collins has identified what she believes to be a “weakness” of Max Verstappen amid his campaign to push for changes to Formula 1’s current power-unit regulations.

Proposals to alter the engine formula to a 60/40 split next year, placing greater emphasis on combustion engine output, have stalled despite an agreement in principle being reached in Miami.

Several drivers have voiced concerns about the new power units introduced this season, with Verstappen among the most outspoken critics.

The four-time world champion has repeatedly suggested that his dissatisfaction with the current generation of cars could influence the length of his Formula 1 career.

However, Collins argued that Verstappen’s criticism stems from a genuine desire to protect the sport’s long-term interests rather than personal frustration.

“There are few drivers in this pit lane who have enormous standing and a voice in this sport,” she told Sky F1.

“Max Verstappen is one of those people. He uses that voice within Red Bull to get to do things like race at the Nordschleife.

“He's using that voice to bring the future of the sport in a direction that he thinks is positive for him and the sport, positive for his enjoyment and the sport as a whole.”

However, during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen confirmed to De Telegraaf that he intends to remain in Formula 1 for the 2027 season.

Collins suggested that the declaration could lessen the impact of Verstappen’s criticism of the regulations, as it removes some of the uncertainty surrounding his immediate future in the sport.

“His only slight weakness was a few days ago when he said he was going to stay because he committed to it,” she added.

“But he's been pretty strong on it, and fair play to him for making that point on something that he feels really, really strongly about.”