Max Verstappen warns he may quit F1 over regulation fight, Red Bull backs him after Nürburgring GT3 race

Four‑time world champion Max Verstappen said it is "mentálisan nem kivitelezhető számomra, hogy így itt maradjak" – mentally impossible for him to stay in Formula 1 under the current technical rules. He criticised the 2026 power‑unit split, calling for a 60‑40 ratio of internal‑combustion to electric output, and warned that ongoing political battles among manufacturers could keep the sport from adopting the changes he favours. Verstappen added that without a satisfactory agreement he may consider leaving the championship.

Red Bull team officials expressed unconditional support for Verstappen’s off‑track activities. After his participation in a Nürburgring GT3 race – where a driveshaft failure relegated his Mercedes‑AMG to 38th place – Red Bull’s chief Mekies praised the driver’s performance and motivation, saying the team is ready to give him “nagyrészen szabad kezet” to pursue his own projects while remaining a Red Bull driver.

Both statements highlight a growing tension between the sport’s regulatory direction and Verstappen’s personal ambitions, with Red Bull publicly backing his pursuit of alternative racing opportunities.