Max Verstappen has revealed that he is considering stepping away from the sport.
The Dutchman is yet to make a podium appearance this season, with P6 being his best finish so far.
Verstappen finished P8 at the Japanese Grand Prix over the weekend, and from all indications, he is not satisfied with this season.
Verstappen finished the 2025 season two points behind Lando Norris, denying him a fifth world championship title.
His performance was stalled mid-season due to Red Bull’s failure to produce a car that could compete with McLaren. But he was still able to fight in the last few races to finish in second place.
During the 2026 pre-season testing, Verstappen voiced his disappointment with the new regulations and how they were affecting car performance.
He said that the new rules made driving less enjoyable and that the changes to the power unit now made F1 seem like Formula E.
Following his P8 finish on Sunday, the 28-year-old opened up about his current mental state. He said he was wondering if spending more time with his family was worth it more than being on the grid.
“Privately, I’m very happy,” Verstappen said to BBC newsmen after Sunday’s race. “You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about whether it’s worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”
The four-time world champion also said that his current mood had nothing to do with Red Bull’s performance, but rather his general outlook on the sport today: “I can easily accept to be 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.”
Verstappen has never been one to hide his dissatisfaction with results. But the season is just getting started, and there’s more than enough time for him to get back on track and even make his way to the top of the leaderboard.
