Verstappen Hints at Potential F1 Retirement After Disappointing Season

Four-time world champion says he's struggling to enjoy racing under new regulations

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has hinted that this season could be his last in the sport. The Red Bull driver expressed his dissatisfaction with the new regulations, saying he is finding it increasingly difficult to enjoy racing and is considering retiring to spend more time with his family.

Why it matters

Verstappen's potential retirement would be a major blow to Formula 1, as he is one of the sport's biggest stars and most dominant drivers in recent years. His comments also highlight the challenges drivers are facing with the significant regulation changes introduced this season, which have made the cars more difficult to drive and reduced the ability of top drivers to dominate.

The details

Verstappen finished eighth in the Japanese Grand Prix, which was won by 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes. After the race, Verstappen told the BBC that he is 'very happy' privately but is questioning whether the sport is 'worth it' anymore, given the increased number of races and his struggle to enjoy driving the car under the new regulations.

  • The Japanese Grand Prix took place on March 29, 2026.
  • Formula 1 is scheduled to take a five-week break, with the next race in Miami on May 3, 2026.
  • The Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races scheduled for April have been called off due to the war in Iran.

The players

Max Verstappen

A four-time Formula 1 world champion and driver for the Red Bull team.

Kimi Antonelli

A 19-year-old driver who won the Japanese Grand Prix for the Mercedes team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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, Red Bull Driver

“That's what I'm saying”

— Max Verstappen, Red Bull Driver

“I want to be here to have fun and have a great time and enjoy myself. At the moment that's not really the case. Of course I do enjoy certain aspects. I enjoy working with my team. It's like a second family. But once I sit in the car it's not the most enjoyable unfortunately. I'm trying. I keep telling myself every day to try and enjoy it. It's just very hard.”

— Max Verstappen, Red Bull Driver

What’s next

Formula 1 will take a five-week break, with the next race scheduled for May 3 in Miami. The Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races in April have been called off due to the war in Iran.

The takeaway

Verstappen's comments highlight the challenges drivers are facing with the significant regulation changes in Formula 1 this season, which have made the cars more difficult to drive and reduced the ability of top drivers to dominate. His potential retirement would be a major blow to the sport, as he is one of the biggest stars and most dominant drivers in recent years.