Max Verstappen has given an update on his future in Formula One ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.
The Dutchman has been questioning whether to leave the sport following its new rules at the start of the season.
The four-time world champion has been a fierce critic of the new rules, which feature a 50-50 split between electric and internal-combustion-engine power.
But the Red Bull driver has hinted that the proposed changes to engine regulation are likely to keep him in the sport.
Verstappen said: "It's definitely heading in a positive direction. I think it is the minimum I was hoping for, and it is really nice that that is what they want to do.
"I just want a good product in F1, and that will for sure improve the product.
"[My future] was also depending on the future rules, right? So the changes that will hopefully happen will help a lot.
"I said before, it does not matter if I have a good car or not, it's just the product, and I think the product will improve like that."
Verstappen said the proposed changes to engine regulations for 2027 are a step in the 'positive direction'
|REUTERS
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The Dutchman competed at the Nurburgring 24-hour race last week in a GT3 car.
He has made clear his desire to race in other categories but confirmed that remaining in F1 is what he wants.
When asked whether the proposed changes would definitely see him stay, he said: "Yes or no does not matter, I'm happy where I'm at, I see the team progressing, and that's also very exciting to see.
"I always wanted to continue anyway, but I also wanted to see change, and I think the change that's coming now is very positive, or at least almost back to normal.
Verstappen 'made clear his desire to race in other categories'
|REUTERS
"It will make the product better, so that means I am happier, that is what I want to be able to continue in F1."
Lewis Hamilton also provided an update to his future, firmly rejecting suggestions he should step away from F1, confirming his Ferrari deal runs until at least the end of 2027.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, the 41-year-old seven-time world champion delivered a pointed message to his critics.
Hamilton stated: "I'm still under contract, so everything's 100 per cent clear to me.
Hamilton firmly rejected suggestions he should step away from F1
| REUTERS"There's a lot of people that are trying to retire me, and that's not even in my thoughts."
The British driver's comments appeared directed at former racers and pundits who have questioned whether he should hang up his helmet following a difficult spell at the Italian team.
Hamilton's maiden campaign with Ferrari in 2025 proved troublesome, as he failed to secure a single podium finish throughout the entire season for the first time in his career.
However, the Briton has shown signs of improvement this year, claiming his first rostrum for the Scuderia at the second round in China back in March.