Haas driver Esteban Ocon has rejected speculation that Max Verstappen will leave Formula 1, predicting that the Dutch champion will remain in the series. In an interview with Italian media outlet Automoto.it, Ocon also revealed his vision for the ideal engine.<\/p>\n
New powertrain regulations, effective with the 2026 season, mandate a 50-50 split between internal combustion engines and electric power. Red Bull driver Verstappen has previously openly criticized these rules, describing the new generation engines as 'anti-racing' and 'Formula E on steroids,' and hinting he might end the season if he wasn't enjoying it. Power cuts, particularly those resulting from intensive energy recovery and battery management, have been among Verstappen's biggest complaints.<\/p>\n
The FIA and Formula 1 engine manufacturers did not remain indifferent to these criticisms; they announced that the share of internal combustion engines would be increased to 58 percent next season and to 60 percent the following season. Verstappen expressed his positive view of this change during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, saying: "It's a good change. However, I would have preferred this regulation to be implemented in 2028; I understand that politics are also involved." Although these statements were interpreted as Verstappen being more inclined to stay in Formula 1, the speculation has not completely ended.<\/p>\n
Ocon took a clear stance on this point: 'Verstappen will not leave F1. Of course, losing such a successful driver due to technical regulations would be a huge problem; but I don't think that will happen because they are listening to us and we are moving in the right direction.' The French driver added that there was a general consensus among the drivers at the beginning of the season that the rules were considered too complicated, and that some corrective measures have already been taken.<\/p>\n
Ocon also described in detail what the ideal power unit should be like. According to the French driver, the future of Formula 1 lies in naturally aspirated engines without turbos: 'It could be a V8 or a V10. V8s were the best engines in Formula 1 history. With a 3.5 or 4.0-liter displacement instead of 2.4 liters, you could achieve 900 horsepower; and if you add another 100-150 horsepower from a hybrid system, you get a much more characterful engine.' Ocon emphasized that such a scenario would offer great pleasure to both drivers and fans, not only in terms of sound but also in terms of driving characteristics, and stated that he believes Formula 1 will evolve in this direction in the future. Like Albon, other drivers continue to publicly express their concerns about the 2026 rules.<\/a><\/p>\nSources<\/h2>\n