Max Verstappen Hates The 2026 F1 Cars So Much He Might Just Retire
· Yahoo Sports
Max Verstappen's long-term future in Formula 1 is looking questionable after candid comments made during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, with the four-time world champion admitting he doesn't enjoy the current direction of the sport.
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Speaking to BBC Sport at Suzuka, Verstappen made clear his frustration with the state of racing under the new-for-2026 regulations, saying he is "not enjoying the whole formula." When pressed by the publication on whether that dissatisfaction could lead to an early retirement-potentially as soon as the end of the 2026 season-he didn't dismiss the idea.
Image: Red Bull Content PoolWhile it's been a difficult start to the season, Verstappen insists his dissatisfaction isn't tied to car performance, but rather to how it now feels behind the wheel to drive a Formula 1 car.
"I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am," Verstappen said. "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."
Image: Red Bull Content PoolVerstappen's criticism is squarely with the new power unit introduced for 2026-the regulations place a heavy emphasis on energy recovery and deployment with a 50/50 split between battery power and internal combustion oomph-forcing drivers to carefully manage battery charge throughout each lap.
That has led to a style of racing where overtakes can be short-lived, with drivers often losing positions again on the following straight due to differing energy levels.
"You can pass around here, but then you have no battery for the next straight. So I tried once just to have a look, but then of course Pierre immediately got by me again on the main straight and I think that was basically the story of today. You can pass, but then you get re-passed. That was basically it."
Image: Red Bull Content PoolVerstappen stopped short of confirming any immediate plans to leave the sport-he has a contract until 2028-but he is certainly weighing his options. The demanding schedule-that now basically stretches from February to December and includes more than 20 races per season-has also contributed to his thinking.
"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?"
Max also has a very full racing life outside of Formula 1, including GT racing and building his own team. Verstappen will compete in events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours, with an eye towards winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans eventually.
"I have a lot of other projects anyway that I have a lot of passion about," he said. "The GT3 racing. Not only racing it myself but also the team. It's really nice and fun to build that. And I really want to build that out further in the coming years.
"It's not like if I would stop here that I'm not going to do anything. I'm always going to have fun. And also I will have fun in a lot of other things in my life.
"But it's a bit sad to be honest that we're even talking about this. It is what it is. You don't need to feel sorry for me. I'll be fine."
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