Formula 1’s rules might be maddening enough to drive out one of its best racers.

Max Verstappen said it is “mentally not doable” to keep competing in F1 if the series doesn’t change its power unit regulations for 2027.

The league currently employs a 50-50 split between conventional combustion power and electrical elements. F1 had agreed in principle earlier this month on a 60-40 split in favor of the combustion engine, a move that Verstappen called a “very positive step” on Thursday.

However, several manufacturers have since backtracked, with some calling for a delay to the changes until 2028.

As a result, Verstappen joined Williams driver Carlos Sainz in urging the FIA to force the changes to be made.

“It will be better for the sport as a whole,” Verstappen said of the proposed changes.

“I can tell you, if it stays like this, then … let’s see. It’s just mentally not doable for me to stay like this, absolutely not.”

Multiple teams would also like to see the rules changed, including Verstappen’s own team, Red Bull, and Mercedes. The Dutch driver has likened the new cars to Mario Kart and called the battery-boosted passing “anti-racing,” while Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso has deemed F1 the “battery world championship.”

Yet, the proposed rule changes have become political, which isn’t a surprise to Verstappen.

“That’s Formula 1 for you. It’s simply like that. It’s a bit of a shame,” he said. “Let’s stay on the positive side. We’re still looking towards making those changes. And, of course, some people that, at the moment, maybe have a bit of an advantage will try to be difficult about it. But if the FIA is strong, and also from the F1 (management) side, they just need to do it.”

Verstappen, a four-time F1 champion, sits seventh in the current F1 standings with 28 points, 78 behind Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli.

–Field Level Media

Despite going down to 10 men, Charlotte FC eked out a tense home victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday evening.

An early Idan Toklomati goal made the difference for Charlotte (6-6-3, 21 points), who will ride a two-game winning streak into the World Cup break. Charlotte lost their May 4 matchup against the Revs (8-5-1, 25 points) 1-0, but Saturday’s victory means they will split the season series.

Kristijan Kahlina ended the night with three saves and a clean sheet, his first in 10 games for the hosts. Matt Turner finished with four saves for the Revs.

Toklomati scored the game’s lone goal to put Charlotte ahead in the 16th minute. After receiving the ball from Will Cleary in the middle of the box, the Israeli attacker deftly beat his marker with his first touch and, with his second, directed the ball into the bottom-left corner of the goal. The opener marked Toklomati’s fifth goal of the MLS campaign.

The Revs struggled to create chances throughout the first half and largely settled for long-range, low-quality shots. The closest New England came to equalizing was Carles Gil’s 32-yard free kick that forced a diving save from Kahlina. In contrast, Charlotte repeatedly tested Turner, who made several vital saves and clearances for the Revs.

After a few minutes of back-and-forth action, Charlotte went down to 10 men when back David Schnegg earned his second yellow card of the night. Schnegg was booked after he dragged down Peyton Miller on the edge of the box. Their numerical disadvantage forced Charlotte to play on their back foot for the rest of the match.

Although New England held most of the possession, they didn’t have the chances and shots to show for it. Despite holding almost 60% of the possession, the Revs had two fewer shots on target than Charlotte. Miller came the closest to putting the Revolution on the board in the 60th minute when his low, driven shot was parried away by Kahlina.

–Field Level Media

Lucas Giolito tossed five shutout innings Saturday night and the San Diego Padres took advantage of surprising wildness from Athletics starter J.T. Ginn in a 2-0 home victory.

Giolito (2-0) allowed four hits and issued five walks while striking out two but was able to pitch out of multiple jams. He stranded three walks in the fourth when he induced an inning-ending 3-6-3 double play ball from Jeff McNeil.

San Diego used its high-leverage relievers to wrap up the victory. Jeremiah Estrada, Adrian Morejon and Jason Adam each handled an inning before former Athletic Mason Miller, facing his old team for the first time since being traded at the deadline last year, worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his 16th save in as many chances.

Ginn (2-3), who threw eight no-hit innings Monday night before losing 2-1 to the Angels in Los Angeles, left this one with a no-hitter. But he only lasted 2 1/3 innings because he walked six, hit a batter and threw 73 pitches. Ginn fanned four and was charged with both runs.

Ginn entered the game having issued only three walks in his previous three starts. But two first-inning walks hinted at what happened an inning later. In the third, he gave up free passes to Jackson Merrill, Freddy Fermin and Sung-Mun Song, then hit Fernando Tatis Jr. to force Merrill home.

An inning later, Ginn was pulled after walking Nick Castellanos with one out. Jose Suarez relieved and promptly gave up a double to Merrill, followed by Ty France’s groundout that scored Castellanos.

The Padres didn’t manage another hit until Gavin Sheets singled with two outs in the seventh. They coaxed eight walks but went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and stranded nine runners.

The Athletics’ Nick Kurtz was the only player for either team with two hits, and teammate Shea Langeliers managed the A’s only extra-base hit, a double in the eighth. But they were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left eight men aboard.

–Field Level Media