Verstappen hints at F1 retirement after difficult season with new cars

Max Verstappen says he is considering retiring from Formula 1 at the end of the 2026 season. The four-time world champion, who has a Red Bull contract until 2028, has voiced dissatisfaction with this year’s new generation of cars and has called for sweeping changes. Red Bull are, also, a step behind leading teams such as Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren. Verstappen, who is seen as one of the sport’s modern greats, finished eighth in Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix and is ninth in the championship standings after three rounds, 60 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli. Yet the 28-year-old is adamant Red Bull’s poor performance has nothing to do with his outlook. Asked by BBC Radio 5 Live after the race in Suzuka whether he would walk away from the sport at the end of the season, Verstappen replied: That s what I m saying. I m thinking about everything inside this paddock. 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 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. 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. That s really anti-driving. Then at one point, yeah, it s just not what I want to do. And of course you can loo

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