MOTOR RACING: Verstappen taking his time on F1 future, says rule tweaks only a tickle

MIAMI — Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen said he is taking a measured approach in deciding his future in the sport, while downplaying the impact of recent rule changes introduced ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver, who has been openly critical of Formula One’s upcoming engine regulations, suggested he remains uncertain about his long-term plans. Verstappen has previously hinted that dissatisfaction with the sport’s direction could influence his decision to continue racing.

“I still have time and I’m taking my time,” Verstappen told reporters on Thursday. “What I said in Japan is still the same, but I also still have a lot of time.”

Speculation around his future has grown following news that his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, is set to join McLaren by 2028. However, Verstappen said the move would not affect his own plans and emphasized that there are no hard feelings.

While he had previously indicated he might consider leaving the sport if Lambiase departed, Verstappen clarified that he has since reconsidered that stance.

“Otherwise I don’t get to drive,” he said with a smile. “Times change. I would be an idiot to try and keep him. It’s not only about me all the time.”

He added that Red Bull would adapt to the change and find a suitable replacement, stressing that the team is already looking ahead.

Verstappen also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of newly introduced rule adjustments, which were agreed upon following discussions between Formula One and the FIA. The changes, implemented after a disrupted race schedule due to the Iran conflict, aim to address driver safety and energy management concerns.

“We had some good meetings with Formula One and the FIA, and that’s a starting point,” he said. “But the changes are more like a tickle. It won’t change everything. It’s not what we need yet to really make qualifying flat out.”

Despite the limited scope of the revisions, Verstappen acknowledged that efforts were made to improve the current situation, though he believes more substantial changes are still necessary. -Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters