Verstappen and Hamilton to stay: F1 can breathe a sigh of relief

Verstappen’s future has been a topic of discussion in the F1 paddock for months. The Red Bull Racing driver has previously hinted several times that he doesn’t want to keep racing in Formula 1 indefinitely, but he has been especially critical since the start of the new season and the introduction of the new regulations. As early as testing in Bahrain, he hinted at a possible early exit from the sport because he believes there’s something fundamentally wrong with the current engine regulations, a view shared by many fellow drivers.

In the meantime, the FIA has implemented a number of small rule changes, which came into effect in Miami. The plan for 2027 is to intervene more drastically: the internal combustion engine must have a larger share than the electric component, with the ratio moving toward a 60/40 split. Asked whether that change influences his future in the sport, Verstappen is clear. “Yeah, definitely. I mean, I just want a good product in Formula One and that will for sure improve the product.” he tells, among others, GPblog at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Verstappen directly ties this to his earlier doubts about the future. The Dutchman competed in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring last week and spoke openly about how much enjoyment he gets from other motorsport categories, but emphasises that this doesn’t automatically mean he’s had enough of Formula 1.

"It was also just depending on the future rules," Verstappen explained. "So what I said before with the changes, hopefully that will happen next year, that will already help a lot. Because I've always said it doesn't matter if I had a good car or not, it's just the product and I think the product will improve like that so naturally I think then the enjoyment will go up as well."

Meanwhile, Hamilton continues to field questions about his future. The seven-time world champion switched from Mercedes to Ferrari last season, but had a tough time in his first season with the Scuderia. He didn’t score a single GP podium and was overshadowed by teammate Charles Leclerc, who secured seven. As a result, the press speculated heavily about the Briton’s future. Although he is clearly happier this season and delivering better results, questions in Canada once again turn to his future and possible retirement plans.

“Yeah, I’m still in contract, so everything is 100% clear to me,” Hamilton states. “I’m still focused, I’m still motivated, I still love what I do with all my heart. I’m going to be here for quite some time, so get used to it. There are a lot of people who are trying to retire me, and that’s not even on my thoughts. I’m already thinking of what will be next and planning for the next five years. But yeah, I still plan to be here for some time.”

The fact that Verstappen and Hamilton, despite all the earlier doubts and speculation, state clearly that they don’t plan to leave the sport any time soon can only be seen as good news for Formula 1. While no F1 career lasts forever, an early retirement by a superstar like Verstappen would certainly not benefit the sport. For now, that doesn’t seem to be a concern.