Ferrari may oppose engine rule change that could keep Max Verstappen in Formula 1

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Max Verstappen would like Formula 1 to reduce its reliance on battery power, but Ferrari are likely to resist such a change. Verstappen is threatening to quit the sport over his opposition to the new rules.

The four-time world champion was scathing about the 2026 regulations during pre-season testing, likening the new cars to ‘Formula E on steroids’. That stance has only hardened after the early races.

In addition to Red Bull, Formula 1 bosses will be desperate for Verstappen to stay in the sport given his status as one of the best drivers on the planet, if not the best. They will do what they can to persuade him without letting him dictate the regulations.

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Max Verstappen wants F1 battery power reduction

According to De Telegraaf, Verstappen would like to see the roughly 50/50 power split between the internal combustion engine and the battery ‘disappear’. He has previously indicated that F1 should get rid of batteries altogether and focus on the ICE.

Verstappen knows that this isn’t realistic under the current rules cycle, particularly given that manufacturers like Audi and Honda have placed a great emphasis on electrification. But if the batteries become less powerful, it could mitigate some of his biggest grievances.

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For instance, it could allow drivers to push flat out in qualifying rather than ‘superclipping’ in the fastest parts of the circuit. It may also reduce the so-called ‘yo-yo’ racing brought about by battery-powered overtakes.

Differences in energy deployment have also led to alarming closing speeds at times, most notably during the Japanese GP when Oliver Bearman had to take avoiding action against Franco Colapinto. Bearman lost control of his Haas car and suffered a 50G impact with the barriers.

The ICE used to account for 70-80% of the car’s power, and Verstappen wants the sport to move back in that direction.

Why Ferrari will oppose change to F1 power unit split

As the report notes, the proposed change, which would inevitably be labelled ‘the Verstappen rule’, would require a supermajority among engine manufacturers to pass (four out of five).

It’s significant that, as per Corriere della Serra, Ferrari have opted for ‘slightly larger batteries’ in their 2026 power unit as part of a long-term strategy. This means that a renewed emphasis on the ICE would ‘work against’ them.

• READ MORE: Max Verstappen held ‘unprecedented’ meeting with Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies on 12-hour flight

As such, Ferrari are likely to oppose such a change, and if another manufacturer joins them, the proposal would fail. Mercedes are currently dominating so they have little incentive to alter the current formula, and that’s before considering where Honda and Audi would stand.

Red Bull’s rivals probably want Verstappen to stay in F1, even though he has often been their undoing. It’s in the best interests of the championship, but they’re unlikely to sacrifice a competitive advantage just to placate him.