'Yes Of Course': Verstappen To Remain In F1 In 2027

BERLIN, May 23 (Bernama-dpa) -- Former world champion Max Verstappen has affirmed he will continue in Formula One in 2027, unless something extraordinary happens, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

"Yes of course. Unless some really crazy things happen, but I don't expect that," Red Bull driver Verstappen told Dutch paper De Telegraaf at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal in an interview published on Saturday.

"I hope everyone keeps their word. But I can confirm that I’m staying in Formula One."

Four-time champion Verstappen has had a difficult start to the season and has been an outspoken critic of sweeping rule changes, most notably regarding the power unit with its mandatory 50-50 split between electrical and internal combustion engine power.

This is now to change next year towards a 60-40 ratio in favour of internal combustion power in a compromise which still needs final approval.

Verstappen, who had not even ruled out leaving F1, said he can live with this solution. "It’s not quite perfect yet, but it’s a step in a good direction. And it’s certainly an improvement on the current situation," he said.

Verstappen, 28, also said he would love to stay connected to Red Bull for the rest of his life but is totally relaxed overall on this issue.

"Whether it’s here or somewhere else, there’s a lot more to it than just the Formula One contract," he said.

"I’m also talking about all the other projects. I’m in talks with Red Bull about that as well. Personally, I’m very relaxed about it. We shouldn’t make too much of a fuss. Even if it all falls through, that’s fine by me.

That’s just how I look at life.”

Verstappen raved about competing last weekend in the 24-hour race at Germany's Nürburgring in a GT3 car, only missing victory because of a technical problem.

"There’s plenty of action to be seen on the Nordschleife. It looks genuine; the overtaking manoeuvres don’t feel staged. It’s brutal and unforgiving," he said.

He added, "I would compete there again" next year if the 24-hour race is on a non-F1 weekend like this year.

-- BERNAMA-dpa