Shock for F1: Max Verstappen is considering retirement

At 28, Max Verstappen is still far from being the oldest active Formula 1 driver—Fernando Alonso is 44—but the Dutchman of Belgian descent could soon retire. After finishing eighth in Japan, the four-time champion made it clear through his comments that he is unhappy with the rule changes and the current state of Formula 1. However, Dutch outlet De Telegraaf went a step further, reporting that Verstappen is seriously considering ending his driving career at the end of the season.

Verstappen has experienced a lot since making his debut at 17 in a Toro Rosso car. This year marks his tenth season with Red Bull Racing, with whom he has won four titles—almost five. He claimed championships consecutively in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, but much has changed this season.

According to the same report, the Dutchman disagrees with the new regulations, feels unmotivated, and that’s where the “bombshell” announcement of a possible retirement comes from.

“I am 100 percent committed and trying to keep giving my best, but the current situation isn’t healthy because I’m no longer enjoying it. There are many other projects I’m also passionate about, and if I were to stop racing, it wouldn’t mean I’d be idle. I don’t want people to feel bad for me,” Max said after the race at Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.

Reportedly, he will take the next few weeks to think things through and use upcoming races to assess whether he still sees himself in Formula 1, given the regulatory changes. After the first three races of the season, Verstappen has collected just 12 points—enough for ninth place in the drivers’ standings—while Red Bull sits sixth in the constructors’ standings. Both are far below their usual standards.

A potential retirement of Max Verstappen would be a major blow for Formula 1, an organization already struggling to maintain its popularity after the rule changes and the established dominance of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team without adequate competition.

“Privately, I’m very happy. I was really looking forward to the start of the season, but now I’m asking myself whether all of this is worth it—whether I enjoy being at home with my family and surrounded by friends more than racing,” Verstappen told BBC. He added that he still enjoys working with his team, but also questions his future every day.

“I want to be part of all this because it’s fun, because I enjoy what I do—but at the moment, that’s not the case. I try, every day I tell myself to enjoy it, but it’s simply become very difficult.”

With races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia canceled, a month-long break lies ahead—something that might not be a bad thing when it comes to Max Verstappen’s motivation.