Four-Time F1 Champ Verstappen Considering Retirement

Red Bull driver says he's 'not enjoying the whole formula' after engine rule changes this season.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:33am

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Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has revealed he is considering his future in the sport. In an interview with BBC Sport, Verstappen expressed his dissatisfaction with the new engine regulations, saying he is 'not enjoying the whole formula' and questioning whether it's 'worth it' to continue racing in F1.

Why it matters

Verstappen's potential departure would be a major blow for Formula 1, as he is one of the sport's biggest stars and most dominant drivers of the past several seasons. His comments highlight growing concerns among drivers about the impact of the latest technical regulations on the overall driving experience and racing action.

The details

Verstappen said his issues are not related to Red Bull's lack of competitiveness at the start of the new season, but rather the changes to the engine rules that require more energy management. He said the need to recharge the batteries several times per lap is making the racing 'anti-driving' and not enjoyable. Verstappen suggested he may consider racing in other series, such as sports cars, where he could have more fun.

  • Verstappen made these comments following the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29, 2026.
  • F1 bosses are set to meet in the four-week gap between the Japan and Miami races to discuss potential changes to the rules to allow drivers to push flat-out in qualifying.

The players

Max Verstappen

A four-time Formula 1 world champion who is considering his future in the sport due to his dissatisfaction with the new engine regulations.

Lando Norris

The driver who beat Verstappen by just two points to win the 2025 F1 title.

Pierre Gasly

An Alpine driver that Verstappen was unable to pass during the Japanese Grand Prix due to the energy management challenges.

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What they’re 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?”

— Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 world champion

“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.”

— Max Verstappen, Four-time F1 world champion

What’s next

F1 bosses are due to meet in the four-week gap between the Japanese and Miami Grands Prix to discuss potential changes to the rules to allow drivers to push flat-out in qualifying, which could impact Verstappen's decision about his future.

The takeaway

Verstappen's comments highlight growing driver dissatisfaction with the impact of the latest technical regulations on the overall driving experience and racing action in Formula 1. His potential departure would be a major blow for the sport, underscoring the need for F1 to address these concerns to retain its top talent.