Max Verstappen has hinted that he is considering retiring from Formula One racing at the end of the ongoing season. Several media outlets have reported that the Dutch racer is unhappy racing in the championship and is considering life beyond motorsports.
Verstappen's comments comes after a disappointing performance in the Japanese Grand Prix where he finished eighth. He had said he was "not enjoying the whole formula" following changes to the engine rules this season, according to reports.
In an interview to BBC Sports whether that meant he was going to walk away at the end of the season, the Red Bull racer said: "That's what I'm saying. I'm thinking about everything inside this paddock."
"Privately I'm very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it's 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about 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?" he added.
In the three races this season, Verstappen has accumulated only 12 points and is ninth on the driver's championship. He is yet to stand on the podium this year.
"I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am," he 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," Verstappen said.
"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," Verstappen explained.
Verstappen is considered as one of the best Formula One racers of the modern era. He has won four consecutive Formula One Driver's Championship from 2021 to 2024. "And of course you can look at it and make a lot of money. Great. But at the end of the day it's not about money any more because this has always been my passion," he said.
For the success he has enjoyed in motorsports, Verstappen became Formula One's highest-paid driver in 2025. According to Forbes, the Dutchman earned $71 million in salary and bonuses, securing the top spot on the magazine's annual earnings list for the sport.
De Telegraaf, the largest Dutch daily morning newspaper, has also published a report headlined "Max Verstappen seriously considering Formula 1 exit after 2026: crucial weeks ahead". According to ESPN, De Telegraaf is "very reliable on all things Verstappen".
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