Max Verstappen shares the engine rule change he wants to see even if he retires from F1

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Max Verstappen has revealed the engine rule change he wants implemented, even if he decides to retire from Formula 1. 

So far in the 2026 season, Verstappen’s future in the sport has been one of the big talking points.

The 28-year-old has publicly expressed his discontent with F1’s new regulations, comparing the new era to ‘Mario Kart’.

In addition, following last month’s Japanese Grand Prix, it was reported that Verstappen is ‘seriously considering’ retirement at the end of the 2026 campaign.

With his future up in the air, the four-time world champion attended an event in Amsterdam on Thursday evening.

During the show, Verstappen spoke about Gianpiero Lambiase’s McLaren move for the first time.

Max Verstappen reveals the F1 engine change he wants to see

Verstappen also touched on the meetings he has been involved in with F1’s governing body, the FIA.

As reported by Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf, Verstappen said: “That we are talking (with the F1 summit and FIA, ed.) is already an advance. 

“The only problem is that you can adjust these regulations a bit, but fundamentally, something is wrong. Not everyone will admit that publicly, but it is.

“I’m just trying to adjust it. Even if I stop in a few years, I do want it to remain a decent sport. Something has to change.”

When asked about what changes he wants to see made to the new version of F1, Verstappen said: “Then I would choose to have the V10 or V8 engines come back.”

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Max Verstappen sent a warning about the 2026 regulations back in 2023

Speaking via Grand Prix 24/7 back in 2023, Verstappen already claimed that the sport was ‘overcomplicating’ the 2026 engine rules. 

Verstappen also outlined changes he would make to the regulations, including the removal of the hybrid engine.

He said at the time: “There are a few things I’d change. I would definitely get rid of the hybrid. I love how smooth a V8 engine is.

“Yes, top speed is slow compared to now, but the pick-up of the engine, and the torque is just so smooth: the downshift, and the upshifts, so much more natural to what we have today.”

With changes set to be made from next month’s Miami Grand Prix, all eyes will be on the FIA to make sure the drivers are happy participating in the sport.