Max Verstappen considering F1 retirement after eighth-place finish at Japanese Grand Prix
The four-time F1 world champion, one of the modern greats, is not enjoying driving the sport’s new generation of car
Max Verstappen says he is considering retiring from Formula 1 at the end of the 2026 season. The four-time F1 world champion, who has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, has voiced his 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?