Max Verstappen Hates The 2026 F1 Cars So Much He Might Just Retire
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.
Image: Red Bull Content Pool 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. 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 Pool While 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 Pool Verstappen'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.