“Not what I want to do anymore”
Formula 1 star Verstappen is considering retirement
March 29, 2026 – 1:50 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Max Verstappen has been complaining about the new rules in Formula 1 since the start of the season. Now the four-time world champion is openly questioning his future.
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has not ruled out a possible end to his career at the end of the season after the Japanese Grand Prix. On BBC Radio 5 Live he said he was “not enjoying the whole thing anymore” – and openly questioned whether the commitment to the premier class was still worth it.
When asked whether he could imagine saying goodbye, the Red Bull driver replied: “That’s exactly what I mean. I think about everything here in the paddock.” In his private life, he was “very happy,” said Verstappen. The tight program of 22 races presents him with a fundamental question: “Is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being at home with my family more, seeing my friends more often, when I don’t enjoy sport?”
A central point of criticism is the new Formula 1 with hybrid engines and a high proportion of electric vehicles. In recent weeks, Verstappen had described the rules as a “joke,” among other things. On the track, drivers have to charge their cars regularly – which promotes position changes, but above all means frustration for Verstappen. This is how he described his duel in Suzuka against Alpine driver Pierre Gasly: ”You can overtake here, but then you won’t have any battery left for the next straight.” Gasly then passed him right back. Verstappen’s conclusion: “That was the story of the day. You can overtake, but then you will be overtaken again.”
He’s trying to “adjust to it, but the way you have to drive isn’t nice,” said Verstappen: “And at some point it’s just not what I want to do anymore.” He accepts his current level of performance at Red Bull: “I didn’t just win in Formula 1. But when you’re in seventh or eighth place and don’t enjoy the whole formula behind it, that doesn’t feel natural for a racing driver.”
His contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2028. Even before the race, his father Jos Verstappen had told the Dutch “Telegraaf” that his son could lose motivation. Max Verstappen himself put it this way: “I want to be here to have fun, have a great time and enjoy myself.” But that’s not the case at the moment.”
