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Max Verstappen took the torch from Lewis Hamilton and became one of the most unstoppable Formula 1 drivers in the sport from 2021 to 2024.
The 2025 and 2026 seasons have been a struggle for the Red Bull driver. He finished second to McLaren’s Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings last season, ending his world championship streak, and is yet to finish in the top five this year.
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Dutch Red Bull driver Max Verstappen drives his car during the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix in Suzuka, central Japan, Sunday, March 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
After finishing eighth at the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen suggested he was thinking about retiring at the age of 28.
“Privately I’m very happy,” Verstappen told the BBC. “You also expect 24 races. This time it’s 22. But usually 24. And then you think: is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being at home with my family more? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”
He made it clear that he was suggesting that 2026 could be his last season.
“I want to be here to have fun, have a good time and have fun. At the moment, that’s not the case,” he said. “Of course I enjoy certain aspects. I enjoy working with my team. It’s like a second family. But once I sit in the car, unfortunately it’s not the most fun. I’m trying. I keep telling myself every day that I should try to enjoy it. It’s very difficult.”
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Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, right, of the Netherlands, and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, of Italy, chat during the drivers’ parade before the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix in Suzuka, central Japan, Sunday, March 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Part of Verstappen’s struggles has been trying to acclimatize to the regulatory changes.
“I can easily accept being in 7th or 8th place where I am,” he said. “Because I also know that you can’t dominate or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time. I’m very realistic about that and I’ve been there before. I haven’t just been winning in F1.”
“But at the same time, when you’re in seventh or eighth position and you don’t enjoy all the formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural to a racing driver,” he continued. “Of course I try to adapt to it, but it’s not nice the way you have to race. It’s really anti-driving. Then at some point, yeah, it’s just not what I want to do.”
Perhaps a break in the calendar will help clear Verstappen’s head.
Formula 1 will have a few weeks off, as two races scheduled for April in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were canceled due to military operations in Iran.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands exits during the qualifying session of the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Japan, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Franck Robichon/Pool Photo via AP)
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The next race is scheduled for May 3 in Miami.
