Overview
- Speaking Wednesday at McLaren’s Woking base, Lando Norris said he is sure Max Verstappen will stay to chase a fifth title, while Oscar Piastri said losing him would hurt the sport.
- Formula One and the FIA announced rule changes Monday to curb extreme battery saving and risky speed gaps, including longer flat‑out qualifying via revised energy windows and a cap on the overtake boost, with debut planned for Miami on May 3.
- Verstappen has blasted the new rules as anti‑racing, likening them to Formula E on steroids and Mario Kart, and he hinted after the Japanese Grand Prix that he could walk away.
- Red Bull have struggled under the new era, which has fed questions about Verstappen’s future even though he is contracted through 2028 with reported break clauses.
- Piastri called the updates a step in the right direction and said the real measure will come on track in Miami, where drivers will see if the changes restore more natural qualifying and safer closing speeds.