Max Verstappen has revealed that he is prepared to wait until 2030 for Formula 1 to potentially bring V8 engines back, in a major development surrounding the sport’s future regulations.
The Red Bull driver has held discussions with Formula 1 and the FIA about the direction of the championship following the introduction of the heavily revised power unit regulations for 2026.
Verstappen has been one of the most outspoken critics of the new generation of F1 cars, but his latest comments suggest he is increasingly willing to give the regulations time to develop.
The four-time world champion has now indicated that a return to V8 power in 2030 could be enough to keep him interested in Formula 1 beyond the current decade.
Verstappen accepts potential V8 return
The 2026 regulations introduced a major change to Formula 1’s power units, with the internal combustion engine and electrical system contributing much more evenly to the overall power output.
That represents a significant shift from the previous generation of engines, which relied much more heavily on the combustion engine.
Verstappen was particularly critical of the new cars during pre-season testing, describing the racing as “anti-racing” and comparing the cars to “Formula E on steroids”.
Those concerns had even raised questions about whether the Dutchman would remain in Formula 1 for the long term.
However, Verstappen subsequently agreed a new contract with Red Bull that will keep him with the team until the end of 2030.
That timing could prove significant if the FIA’s plans for a V8-powered future come to fruition.
Speaking to media including RacingNews365, Verstappen said: “I’ve accepted the situation that we’re in; I’m personally, of course, not happy with it.”
He explained that discussions with F1 and the FIA had given him reason to believe that improvements could be made before a possible change of engine regulations.
“But at the same time, with the discussions I’ve had with F1 and the FIA, already trying to make little improvements for next year and the year after, plus the year I signed to, leaving the door open for a potential V8 return, I’m willing to accept that,” Verstappen added.
The comments were reported by RacingNews365 on August 28.