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Max Verstappen snatched the torch from Lewis Hamilton and became one of the sport’s most unstoppable Formula 1 drivers from 2021 to 2024.
The 2025 and 2026 seasons have been difficult for the Red Bull driver. He finished second to McLaren’s Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings last season, ending his world championship streak, and is yet to finish in the top five this year.
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Red Bull driver of the Netherlands Max Verstappen pilots his car during the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, central Japan, Sunday, March 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
After finishing eighth at the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen hinted that he was considering retirement at the age of 28.
“Privately I am very happy,” Verstappen told the BBC. “You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22. But normally 24. And then you think, is it worth it? Or do I like being at home more with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not doing your sport?”
He made it clear that he was suggesting 2026 could be his last season.
“I want to be here to have fun and have a good time and enjoy myself. Right now, that’s not really the case,” he said. “Of course, I enjoy certain aspects. I like working with my team. It’s like a second family. But once you sit in the car, unfortunately it’s not the most pleasant. I try. I tell myself every day to try to enjoy it. It’s just very hard.”
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Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, right, of the Netherlands, and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy, speak during the drivers’ parade before the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, central Japan, Sunday March 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Part of Verstappen’s difficulties has been trying to acclimatize to the regulatory changes.
“I can easily accept being in P7 or P8 where I am,” he said. “Because I also know that you can’t dominate, be first or second or whatever, fight for a podium every time. I’m very realistic about that and I’ve been there before. I didn’t just win in F1.
“But at the same time, when you’re in P7 or P8 and you don’t appreciate the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t seem natural for a racing driver,” he continued. “Of course, I’m trying to adapt to it, but it’s not nice the way you have to race. It’s really anti-driving. And then at some point, yeah, it’s just not what I want to do.”
Perhaps a break in the schedule will help clear Verstappen’s head.
Formula 1 will have a few weeks off as two races scheduled for April in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were canceled due to military operations in Iran.
Red Bull driver of the Netherlands Max Verstappen leaves the qualifying session of the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit, Japan, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Franck Robichon/Pool Photo via AP)
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The next race is scheduled for May 3 in Miami.
