F1 urged ‘to consider’ Max Verstappen frustration amid future uncertainty

British racing driver Jamie Chadwick has argued that Max Verstappen’s frustration with the direction of Formula 1 “needs to be considered” by the sport given the significance of the Dutchman to the championship.

Despite claiming his first podium of the season in the Canadian Grand Prix, the four-time world champion once again hinted that he could leave F1 at the end of the year if major changes to the regulations are not made.

The Red Bull driver’s concerns over the current 50/50 power unit regulations were first raised several years ago when they were initially announced, and he has remained consistent in his stance ever since.

To stay in F1, the 28-year-old wants the sport to move to at least a 60/40 power unit split in favour of internal combustion from 2027, something which is currently being discussed.

It had appeared that a move to a 60/40 split from next season had received unanimous backing from all 11 teams. However, that changed in Montreal, with Audi, Cadillac and Ferrari reportedly opposed to the switch.

While Verstappen is also frustrated by being unable to fight regularly for podiums and victories, his greater concern is the regulations and the direction in which F1 is heading, something he is not enjoying.

Discussing Verstappen’s continued frustration after his podium, Chadwick said on the Sky F1 podcast: “I think he was realistic about where he felt they [Red Bull] genuinely were, and I think that stopped him from being delighted by the weekend. 

“But yeah, he’s still frustrated with where Red Bull are at and where the new regulations are heading. His comments afterwards kind of allude to what his future might look like in Formula 1.

“He’s coming off his Nürburgring race, which is completely different and the polar opposite of anything he’s done before in Formula 1. 

“So, yeah, I think he is becoming increasingly frustrated with, I guess, where the sport is going, and that’s something that, for one of the biggest characters, biggest personalities and most prolific drivers on the grid, needs to be considered.”