Max Verstappen has admitted he is considering his future in Formula One, saying he is no longer enjoying the sport amid frustration with the regulation changes.
The four-time world champion made the comments after finishing eighth at the Japanese Grand Prix, extending a difficult start to the season with no podium finishes in the opening three races.
Verstappen insisted his concerns are not about Red Bull Racing’s performance, but rather the way the new cars must be driven.
“That’s what I’m saying,” he said when asked about potentially walking away. “I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock.
“You just think: is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family when you’re not enjoying your sport?”
He described the current racing style as “anti-driving” due to heavy energy management demands.
“I can accept being in P7 or P8,” he said. “But when you are there and not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural.
“It’s not nice the way you have to race. At one point, it’s just not what I want to do.”
Verstappen stressed that money is not a motivating factor.
“It’s not about money anymore because this has always been my passion. I want to be here to have fun… at the moment, that’s not really the case.”
The Dutchman, who narrowly lost last year’s title to Lando Norris, admitted it is becoming harder to stay motivated.
“I’m committing 100 percent, but it’s not very healthy at the moment because I am not enjoying what I’m doing,” he said. “I keep telling myself to try and enjoy it—it’s just very hard.”
He also highlighted how energy deployment affects racing, referencing his battle with Pierre Gasly: “You can pass, but then you get re-passed.”
Verstappen hinted at a future beyond F1, including GT3 and endurance racing.
“I have a lot of other projects… It’s not like if I stop here I won’t do anything,” he said.
With F1 set to review the regulations soon, Verstappen added: “They know what to do.”
