Max Verstappen, a driver who has spent the last few years dominating Formula 1, is seen outside the top fight. But what’s more concerning right now is just his performance and results, but also his future.
After a frustrating start to the 2026 season, the multi-time world champion has openly admitted he’s thinking about stepping away from the sport.
He has explained that he did not know how much he had been through until he finished in 8th place at the last race, and his qualifying position was only 11, which is far lower than what he was used to.
What is surprising is that Verstappen’s frustrations come from more than just the final positions.
These frustrations arise from how he feels Formula 1 looks and why he will not be returning next year.
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Max Verstappen questions his future
When Max Verstappen was asked about his long-term plans, especially with two years still left on his contract with Red Bull Racing, he didn’t dodge the question.
He said, “Privately, I’m very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about, is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”
One of the biggest reasons behind this thinking of his is the new 2026 regulations. Max has been vocal about them and has referred to these F1 cars as Anti-Racing.
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He said, “I can easily accept being in P7 or P8 where I am. Because I also know that you can’t be dominating or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time. I’m very realistic in that, and I’ve been there before. I’ve not only been winning in F1.”
“But at the same time, when you are in P7 or P8, and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural to a racing driver.”
“Of course, I try to adapt to it, but it’s not nice the way you have to race. It’s really anti-driving. Then at one point, yeah, it’s just not what I want to do.”
And, this is the main thing here: losing is one thing, and not enjoying the way you have to race is a completely different thing.
Max Verstappen also made it clear that it has nothing to do with the contracts or paychecks, which many people have been speculating about for a long time.
He stated, “And of course, you can look at it and make a lot of money. Great. But at the end of the day, it’s not about money any more because this has always been my passion,”
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Is Max Verstappen Retiring?
Right now, there’s no official confirmation that Max Verstappen is retiring. But the fact is that he is openly considering it.
There has also been a growing buzz in Dutch media suggesting he could walk away, though nothing has been formally announced.
What happens next could depend heavily on how the next few weeks play out.
With a short break before the Miami race, Max Verstappen has time to step back and reassess, something he clearly needs.
