‘It’s just not what I want to do’, Max Verstappen admits there is a lot for him to figure out as F1 future decision looms

Max Verstappen endured another headline-filled weekend, expressing his dissatisfaction with the 2026 Formula 1 regulations while also admitting that “it’s just not what I want to do” and that there is “a lot for me personally to figure out.”

The four-time world champion finished eighth at the Japanese Grand Prix after qualifying only eleventh, as he continued to struggle with the overall competitiveness of his RBPT-Ford-powered RB22.

Off track, however, Verstappen’s weekend began with controversy, as he asked a journalist to leave his open media session on Thursday at Suzuka. He then drew further attention by openly suggesting he is reconsidering his future in the sport.

“That’s what I’m saying—I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock,” the 28-year-old told BBC Sport when asked whether he might walk away at the end of the season.

“Privately, I’m very happy. But then you look at 24 races—this year it’s 22—and you start to wonder: is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being at home more with my family? Seeing my friends more, especially when you’re no longer enjoying your sport?”

Verstappen elaborated further in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live following the race:

“I can accept being in P7 or P8 where I am, because I know you can’t always dominate or fight for wins or podiums. I’m very realistic about that—I’ve been through it before. I haven’t only been winning in F1.

“But at the same time, when you are in P7 or P8 and you’re not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural as a racing driver.

“Of course I try to adapt, but it’s not nice the way you have to race. It’s really anti-driving. At some point, you start to think: this is just not what I want to do.

“And yes, you can look at it and say you’re earning a lot of money—great. But at the end of the day, it’s not about money anymore, because this has always been my passion.”

Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, widely regarded as reliable on Verstappen-related developments, also reported during the Suzuka weekend that the enforced break before the Miami Grand Prix in May could prove “crucial” in shaping the four-time champion’s decision over his Formula 1 future.

It emerged last year that Verstappen has a performance clause in his Red Bull contract, which would otherwise tie him to the team through to 2028. In 2025, the clause reportedly allowed him to exit if he fell outside the top three by the August break—though he was third at that point. For 2026, it is believed the requirement is to be second in the standings, which currently appears a distant prospect.

Verstappen sits third on Formula 1’s all-time wins list, behind only Michael Schumacher (91) and Lewis Hamilton (105). His long-standing interest in sportscar racing and marquee endurance events—such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Nürburgring—suggests he may yet pursue challenges beyond Formula 1, particularly given his age and already extraordinary achievements in the sport.

However, for Formula 1 as both a sporting entity and global brand, a larger question emerges: where should the line be drawn when one of its greatest champions publicly expresses disillusionment to this extent?

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Written by

Jawad Yaqub

An eCommerce Specialist by day and reporting on F1 by night. Jawad is passionate about motorsport, having provided accredited F1 coverage for more than a decade. Live blogging (almost) every grand prix too since 2014, as well as articles on the Supercars Championship. Also keen on sustainability, photography, collecting vinyl, (trying to) expertly barbeque and learning to Dad.

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