the FIA as “great” during key talks held earlier this year. The
four-time champion was one of the fiercest critics of F1’s new
power unit regulations and hinted that he could be prepared to walk
away unless changes were made. Ahead of the Miami GP, changes were
brought in to reduce super-clipping and lift and coast, with
further talks taking place to find a solution to move away from the
50-50 power output split between the ICE and batteries. In 2027,
the ratio will change more towards the ICE via an increase in fuel
flow, before reaching 60:40 in 2028. Reflecting on the process,
Verstappen felt that both FOM and the FIA being “open-minded” was
key to the breakthrough in discussions with drivers. “I think that
it grows a bit, I mean, the more you achieve in the sport, I’m sure
you have maybe a bit more of a voice,” Verstappen told media,
including RacingNews365. “But I’m very happy. I mean, at the
beginning of the year, there were a few meetings with FOM, and
then, of course, with other drivers with the FIA as well, and it’s
just great that they’re open-minded and they listen to the drivers.
“Because I think we speak, at least most of us speak, in the
interest of the sport, and we just want to make it a better
product. “That’s why you come up with the recommendations, and
what you’re trying to do is definitely the right thing.”