Could four-time Formula One (F1) world champion Max Verstappen really be quitting at season’s end?
Based on early returns, it appears it might be possible—never mind that the Red Bull superstar is still young and right smack in his prime.
Fresh off a disappointing run at the Japanese Grand Prix, the four-time world champion openly admitted he is weighing the possibility of stepping away from the sport as early as 2026, raising serious questions about his long-term commitment despite a contract that runs through 2028.
Frustration Boils Over After Japan Struggles
Verstappen’s latest remarks came after a difficult weekend in Suzuka, where he exited in Q2 and finished eighth—another result far below his dominant standards.
Yet the Dutchman was quick to clarify that performance alone is not the issue.
“I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am,” Verstappen said. “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.”
His frustration appears rooted in Formula 1’s new regulations, particularly the heavy reliance on hybrid systems and battery deployment. Verstappen has repeatedly criticized the direction of the sport, labeling the current cars as “anti-racing” and even comparing them to arcade-style driving.
“It’s really anti-driving,” he added. “Then at one point, yeah, it’s just not what I want to do.”
‘Is It Worth It?’—Verstappen Questions His Future
In perhaps his most revealing comments yet, Verstappen admitted he is seriously reflecting on whether continuing in F1 still makes sense.
“That’s what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock,” he said. “You just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family?”
The statement underscores a growing internal conflict. Despite his success, Verstappen acknowledged that passion—not money—has always driven his career.
“At the end of the day it’s not about money anymore because this has always been my passion.”
Exit Clauses and a Possible Early Departure
While his contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, Verstappen is believed to have performance-related exit clauses—particularly tied to the sport’s new regulations—that could allow him to walk away earlier.
With Red Bull struggling to match the pace at the front, those clauses may soon come into play. Reports indicate that the coming weeks, including a rare break in the calendar, could be pivotal in determining his next move.
The possibility is no longer theoretical. Verstappen himself admitted the mental toll of pushing through a season he no longer fully enjoys.
“Every day I wake up, I convince myself again to keep racing. And I try.”
Life Beyond Formula 1 Already Taking Shape
Even as uncertainty clouds his F1 future, Verstappen has made it clear he won’t be stepping away from competition entirely.
“I have a lot of other projects anyway that I have a lot of passion about,” he said, pointing to his growing involvement in GT3 racing, both as a driver and team builder.
“It’s not like if I would stop here that I’m not going to do anything.”
For now, Formula 1 faces an uncomfortable reality: one of its generational talents may be edging toward the exit—not because he can’t win, but because he no longer enjoys the sport itself.
