Max Verstappen Considering Retirement After Tough Start to F1 Season: 'I Am Not Enjoying What I'm Doing'
The Red Bull Racing driver finished in eighth place at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix following continued challenges with his car
Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing ahead of the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit. Credit: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty NEED TO KNOW Max Verstappen is considering retirement after finishing in eighth at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, March 29 The Dutch-Belgian racer opened up about the continued challenges he's facing with his car this season, and weighed his performance against spending more time with his family He became a first-time dad to daughter, Lily, with girlfriend Kelly Piquet in April 2025 Could this be the end of the road for Max Verstappen ? The Red Bull Racing driver, 28, said he is contemplating retirement after his eighth-place finish at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix following continued challenges with his car over the course of the race weekend.
Verstappen, who became a first-time dad to daughter Lily last April with his longtime girlfriend Kelly Piquet , spoke with reporters after the Grand Prix about his less-than-favorable performance and he spoke about a possible retirement when the season wraps in December. Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix. Credit: Marcel van Dorst/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty When asked by the BBC if he was going to "walk away from F1 at the end of the year," the four-time world champion responded, "That's what I’m saying," after the race at the Suzuka International Racing Course in Mie Prefecture on Sunday, March 29.
"I'm thinking about everything inside this paddock," he continued. "Privately, I’m very happy. You have 24 races.
And then you just think, '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? ' " Verstappen has been full throttle since making his Formula 1 debut at age 17 in 2015.