Red Bull backs Verstappen on regulation overhaul: ‘we should fix it once and for all’

The Red Bull Racing team principal, speaking to GPblog and other media outlets after the Canadian Grand Prix, faced questions about Verstappen potentially tying his F1 future to the proposed regulation changes – something the Dutch driver has openly criticised.

Responding to the question, Mekies noted his optimism that the power unit manufacturers would reach an agreement soon: “I’m optimistic we will find the right solutions. So I'm optimistic we'll find a majority of people agreeing on improving the race,” he said.

Pressed further on why he remained hopeful despite the ongoing disagreement over the number of manufacturers required to approve the changes, the 49-year-old suggested that Formula 1 may ultimately require all stakeholders to prioritise the sport’s wider interests over individual competitiveness.

“Because when it comes to what matters for the sport, I think at some stage we will all put aside what we feel it may or may not do to our relative competitiveness to take a step in the right direction for the sport. I think ultimately we'll get to that point,” he added.

Mekies was also asked whether he specifically supports the proposed 60-40 split for the 2027 engine regulations, as opposed to a more radical shift from the current 50-50 balance between the internal combustion engine and electric power. However, he stressed that the exact split is less important than delivering a necessary and lasting regulatory fix to the shortcomings of the current regulations.

“I don't think the amount of investment is relevant compared to the size of the sport. So I think, let me put it this way, I think we should fix it once and for all and not have this as a recurring topic. I think we have, we see a fantastic battle on the track. There are a lot of positive and a lot of great aspects with what we are seeing, and I think there is a part that we want to improve and we should fight for,” he concluded.

Earlier, GPblog reported that the Formula 1 grid is currently clouded in uncertainty over the proposed engine changes the FIA planned to introduce for the 2027 campaign. In an earlier report, this website noted how Honda have refused to say whether it will agree to the FIA’s proposal to adjust the power units for the 2027 season, or whether the Japanese manufacturer will opt for a change in 2028, which further clouds the possibility of Verstappen continuing in the sport.

After the Miami Grand Prix, the FIA announced that, ‘in principle,’ an agreement had been reached with the engine manufacturers to change the power balance in the engines from 50/50 to 60/40. By slightly reducing the share of the battery, drivers should no longer have to back off during a lap to recharge the electric component.

It has since become clear that teams and manufacturers agree that this adjustment should be implemented, but there is division over the timing of when it should happen. Only Mercedes and Red Bull seem to want to introduce the change as early as next year. In Formula 1, support from four of the six manufacturers, including future manufacturer Cadillac, is required to get the green light, and that number is currently unlikely to be reached.

On Verstappen’s side, however, the four-time world champion admitted it would be unworkable to continue to drive in F1 for the 2027 season if no adjustments are made to the current regulations.